The Brown Bag Teacher

Teach the Children. Love the Children. Change the World.

Word Work: Sentence Scramble

Hello, friends! Today I wanted to share about one of our favorite Word Work centers – sentence scramble/mixed-up sentences. 

In full disclosure, this is a high-maintence center. It does take a bit of prep, but it is completely worth it. It is one of the most challenging activities my friends do, and they get SO excited to hear about Sentence Scramble or Mixed-Up Sentences. Since this activity does require a little more prep, I visit it once a month (for two weeks) and share the prep with a teaching partner (we alternate months)!
Each set includes 6 sentences and each sentence is centered around one of our must-know words of the week.  I call each baggie a ‘Level’ because kids love the idea of playing a game and leveling-up. Level 1 is the easiest and Level 6 is the hardest.
When I am preparing materials, I make two sets of sentences – on-level sentences and above-level sentences. Both sets match their individual words for the week. Later in the year, I’ll also add a third set for my approaching grade-level friends.

Green (approaching grade-level) – capital letters, punctuation attached to last word
Yellow (on grade-level) – no capital letters, punctuation is unattached to the last word
Blue (above grade-leve) – no capital letters, punctuation is unattached, the must-know word is a blank where students have to arrange the sentences and then, decide which of their must-know words fit

The first time I introduced the activity, I was SHOCKED that it was so difficult for students…but it is. To figure the order of words, ensure the sentence makes sense, and add punctuation/capitalization is a challenge! They love it. 🙂 Most students work in partners and that is fine. Typically, it takes 2 rounds of Daily 5 for friends to unscramble all 6 sentences and record them.
I ask that students take 1 sentence out at a time to keep the pieces organized. 

 Although sometimes when students get really ‘stumped’ (i.e. the pink sentence) they will take a break from that sentence and try another one. When they go back, they can almost always figure it out. It’s sweet to see the lightbulb moments. If friends have tried with a partner AND taken a break, to no avail – they may ask me for a hint. When students ask for a hint, I will give them the first 2 words or the last 2 words of the sentence.

After partners unscramble the sentences, I ask them to record the sentence.
As you can tell, friends, it is a high-maintence activity but completely worth it. For all my friends to complete it, I leave it in Word Work for 1.5-2 weeks. Then, as a class, we review the sentences and talk about the most challenging parts. My friends love telling me how they struggled and what they did to figure it out. Plus, it’s a great reflection for friends who often give-up when they encounter difficult tasks. This is one center that builds growth mindset because EVERYONE struggles…and that’s okay!
To see more of our favorite Word Work activities, read this blog post and to snag the activities for yourself, click here.
So friends, tell me – do you use Sentence Scramble in your room? Do your friends like it? Do you have any tips for making it less prep (without using a worksheet or cut/paste)? I’d love to hear your ideas! 

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Comments

  2. Raye says

    I don't use it but plan to start now. What a great idea! I especially love that you have them "level up" because I think you are right that it excites them to know they are making that progress. I'm going to think about how I can incorporate this with my 3rd graders.

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  4. Em Hutchison says

    I really like doing these scrambles too!! Mine happen in my small group bc I am title. But it gives me so much information about the student! And I can even differentiate by the amount of words per sentence. Such a great post!! Thanks for giving me some more to think about!
    Em
    Curious firsties

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