Sentence Stems

How to Use

1. Create

Create a list of sentence stems that are appropriate to the discussion or task you are setting the students. Be sure to provide stems that use academic language or sentence structure that is difficult for the students.

2. Model

Review stems with students and provide some examples of how to complete the sentence stems.

3. Practice

Pose questions or a set a writing task for students. In pairs or independently, have students use sentence stems to respond.

4. Review

Ask students to share their sentences. Add any clarification where needed.

When to Use

Use Sentence Stems at any point in the lesson to structure meaningful conversation.

Before introducing new material to tap into prior knowledge (Example stems: I understand that ….; I already know that…)
When trying to work through a problem. (Examples: It would be easier if….; First, I…)
After reading a short text to begin a discussion (Examples: The main points were….; I read that…)
Responding to a peer discussion (Examples: My partner pointed out ….; I agree because…)
When re-enforcing the use of academic language (Example: The text structure is ….; I use the denominator of …)

Variations

Sentence Stems Roundtable

Prepare a list of unfinished sentences and give one copy to each student in class. Allow 10 minutes or so for students to complete the sentences in writing, using true facts from material they’ve read or learned about recently. Students then partner up and share responses. Ask them to rotate after a set amount of time and share with a new partner.

Print This Tool

Download Templates

For more examples of sentence stems, use a sheet like this one to help students create their sentences. Sentence stems can be cut up and passed out and/or displayed throughout the room. For Primary Grades, add a picture to show meaning for each sentence stem. Some sentence stems might be left out for PK-1 students; use stems at the teacher’s discretion.

Sentence Stems Elementary

Sentence Stems Elementary - Google Doc

Sentence Stems Secondary

Sentence Stems Secondary - Google Doc

To work on students’ questioning skills, provide them with a list of question stems. Question stems promote the use of open-ended questions which incite thought, reflection, and connections. For Primary Grades, add a picture to show meaning for each question stem. Some question stems might be left out for PK-1 students; use stems at the teacher’s discretion.

Question Stems Elementary

Question Stems Elementary - Google Doc

Question Stems Secondary

Question Stems Secondary - Google Doc

Sentence Stems Spanish

Sentence Stems Spanish - Google Doc

Question Stems Spanish

Question Stems Spanish - Google Doc