1. SENTENCE FLUENCY “I’ll always take a plain sentence that’s clear over a pretty one that is unintelligible.” – Patricia O’Connor (1999)

2. Read-Arounds Get into groups of 3 or 4 Read the passage silently Choose who will read first, second,etc. The first reader begins the passage but can stop at any time, and the second reader must immediately start, etc. Continue reading the passage at least 2-3 times. Will someone share?

3. What Is Sentence Fluency? Easy rhythm and flow One sentence glides into another Variety in length Variety in structure Delightful to read/hear Easy to read with expression Easy to follow

4. Sentence Fluency in The Writing Process Sent e nce Fluency Prewriting Drafting Sharing Revising Editing Publishing

5. Two Faces of Sentence Fluency Creative and Personal Sentences are easy to read Sentence beginnings are varied and purposeful Play style; short and long sentences Fragments used for emphais Informational Sentences are clear, direct, concise Direct subject-verb structure dominates Sentences are grammatical and complete More technical the content, the shorter the sentences

6. Focused Lessons for Sentence Fluency “When you teach fluency, you’re teaching more than grammar. You’re teaching rhythm and grace. It’s the difference between dancing by placing your feet in the appropriate markings on the floor and just letting your body move to the music. Once they’re moving to the music, they’ve got it.”

7. Focused Lessons for Sentence Fluency Teach the concept. Model fluency through poetry or music. Bring on the poetry. Perform it. Don’t forget good business writing.

8. Teaching Ideas for Sentence Fluency Combining Sentences Compelling Sentences The Shadow Test

9. Teaching Ideas for Sentence Fluency Word Tallies Read Arounds Music Beginning Sentences Sample Book Lesson

10. Scoring for the Trait: Sentence Fluency A Rescue A Sunflower Seed Student Writing

11. Troubleshooting for Sentence Fluency Problem 1: Short, Choppy Sentences Break the Text up into Bite-Sized Pieces Sentence Combining Read good fluency Reading Aloud Drama or Choral Reading

12. Troubleshooting for Sentence Fluency Problem 2: All sentences Begin the Same Way—Boring! Ask students to list their beginnings, Start with one simple sentence, then rework it. Variation

13. Troubleshooting for Sentence Fluency Problem 3: Endless Connectives Turn the Whole Paper into One Monstrous “Sentence” that Chokes to Death Any Sense of Meaning Ask students to write three paragraphs with no ands or buts at all. Give students writing with all punctuation and capital letters removed.

14. Tips for Success For Sentence Fluency Read Aloud. Combine. Keep It Crisp. Check out those first four words. Don’t get breathless. Read other people’s writing aloud.

15. Something to Remember About Teaching Sentence Fluency “… So how are children expected to develop a sense of rhythm or a wide vocabulary? By being read to, alive, a lot!!” Mem Fox,1993