Types of Sentences Background Information for Teachers, Parents and Caregivers
This page provides information to support educators and families in teaching K-3 students about types of sentences. It is designed to complement the Types of Sentences topic page on BrainPOP Jr.
Your children should be familiar with the four main types of sentences: statements, questions, exclamations, and commands. They should also understand the end punctuation that is used with each type of sentence like periods, question marks, and exclamation marks. Punctuation helps writers convey their message clearly and helps readers understand the text.
A statement is a type of sentence that tells something. Also called a declarative or assertive sentence, a statement shares information with the reader and usually ends with a period. Review with your children that a period is a punctuation mark that looks like a small dot and signals an end of an idea or thought. A period also tells the reader to come to a full stop. Write different statements on the board with your children or find examples in books. Remind them that statements always start with a capital letter. Capital letters help the reader recognize a new thought or idea.
A question is a type of sentence that asks something. Also called an interrogative sentence, a question usually begins with who, what, where, when, why, how or do and ends with a question mark. Have your children come up with different questions and write them on the board. Point out to them the different intonation they use when they ask a question. Explain that a question mark tells a reader how to read a sentence out loud. Challenge them to write questions that start with different words such as would or have. Remind your children that questions always begin with a capital letter, too.
An exclamation is a type of sentence that shares a strong feeling such as excitement, happiness, anger, and surprise. Also called an exclamatory sentence, an exclamation is punctuated with an exclamation mark. An exclamatory sentence’s intonation conveys a strong emotion when read out loud. Write different exclamations on the board and have children practice reading them with the correct intonation. Have children brainstorm and write their own sentences. Remind your children to capitalize the first letter of any sentence.
A command is a type of sentence that gives a direction or an order to do something. Also called an imperative sentence, a command can be punctuated with a period or an exclamation mark. Your children probably see signs that show commands around their school or town. For example, a sign in the library might say, “Please whisper.” Many warning signs often use exclamation marks, such as “Danger!” or “Beware of dog!” Have your children find more examples of commands around them.
We recommend watching the Writing a Paragraph movie together as a review. When your children write a paragraph or a sentence, they should always proofread their work and make sure each sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark. Explain that good writers help their readers know how to read their work by using capitalization and punctuation. Encouraging good proofreading habits now will help your children grow into proficient and confident writers.
