Download the Lessonotes Mobile Liberia app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: English
Semester: 1
Period: 1
Week: 2
School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 8
Date:
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 2, Period 1
Topic: Parts of a Sentence (Subject + Predicate)
Sub-topic: Constructing clear and correct sentences; Building paragraphs with subject-predicate agreement
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify the subject and predicate in a sentence.
- Construct clear and correct sentences using subject-predicate agreement.
- Write short paragraphs that demonstrate proper subject-predicate agreement.
Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
• Basic understanding of sentence construction using parts of speech
• Ability to identify nouns and verbs in simple sentences
Instructional Materials
• Textbook: English Language textbooks for Grade 8
• Teaching aids: Sentence strips, chart of sentence structures, whiteboard and markers
• Students' notebooks and writing materials
Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity: The teacher will ask the class:
• What makes up a complete sentence?
• Can you give an example of a sentence you know?
The teacher will record their responses on the board.
Teacher’s Role: Guide a short brainstorming session and correct misconceptions.
Learner’s Role:
• Share their existing ideas about sentences.
• Respond verbally and participate in warm-up discussion.
B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes
Teacher’s Role:
- Explain Subject and Predicate
- A subject tells who or what the sentence is about.
- A predicate tells what the subject does or what is said about the subject.
- Example 1: “The dog barked.” → Subject = The dog, Predicate = barked.
- Example 2: “My sister is reading a book.” → Subject = My sister, Predicate = is reading a book.
- Example 3: “The old man walked slowly down the road.” → Subject = The old man, Predicate = walked slowly down the road.
- Give examples on the board and underline
- “The boy plays football.”
- Subject = The boy
- Predicate = plays football
- “Our teacher explains the lesson.”
- Subject = Our teacher
- Predicate = explains the lesson
- “The children are laughing loudly.”
- Subject = The children
- Predicate = are laughing loudly
- Demonstrate Subject-Predicate Agreement
- A singular subject takes a singular verb.
- “The girl runs fast.” ✔
- “The girl run fast.” ❌
- A plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Compound subjects take plural verbs.
- “Peter and Paul are friends.” ✔
- “Rice and beans taste good.” ✔
- Show how sentences can be connected to form short paragraphs
- Example:
- “The farmer works hard. He plants rice every year. His children help him after school.”
- These sentences, when linked, form a short paragraph with correct subject-predicate agreement.
- Provide Guided Practice
- Write sentences on the board for learners to identify the subject and predicate:
- “The sun rises in the east.” (Subject = The sun, Predicate = rises in the east)
- “My friend sings beautifully.” (Subject = My friend, Predicate = sings beautifully)
- “The goats are eating grass.” (Subject = The goats, Predicate = are eating grass)
- “Our parents love us dearly.” (Subject = Our parents, Predicate = love us dearly)
- “The baby is crying loudly.” (Subject = The baby, Predicate = is crying loudly)
- Half-complete sentences for practice:
- The farmer ______. → Possible: The farmer works hard.
- ______ plays football every evening. → Possible: My brother plays football every evening.
- The students ______. → Possible: The students are studying.
Learners’ Activities (Expanded):
- Listen attentively and write down the definitions and examples.
- Identify subjects and predicates in teacher’s example sentences.
- Give their own examples orally (e.g., “My mother cooks rice.”).
- Work in pairs: write 5 sentences, underline the subject once and the predicate twice.
- In small groups: write a short paragraph (4–5 sentences) about “My School” ensuring correct subject-predicate agreement.
Assessment Checks:
- Teacher asks oral questions like: “What is the subject in this sentence: The cat sleeps on the mat?”
- Teacher gives written sentences for learners to underline subject and predicate.
- Teacher reviews pair and group work, correcting errors in subject-verb agreement.
- Learners read out their short paragraphs, teacher listens for proper agreement.
Notes (Expanded & Detailed):
- Every complete sentence contains a subject and a predicate.
- Without both, the sentence is incomplete.
- Example: “The boy …” ❌ (incomplete – missing predicate).
- Example: “… is playing.” ❌ (incomplete – missing subject).
- Example: “The boy is playing.” ✔ (complete).
- Correct subject-predicate agreement is important for clear communication.
- Good paragraph writing requires linking complete sentences with correct agreement.
C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
• The teacher will ask the students to recall: the meaning of subject and predicate, how to construct correct sentences, and the importance of subject-predicate agreement.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
• Exit slip/quiz: Students will write short answers to:
- Define subject and predicate.
- Identify the subject and predicate in this sentence: “The dog barked loudly.”
- Write one correct sentence using subject-predicate agreement.
Teacher will collect and quickly review for understanding.
• Provide oral feedback before class ends.
Assignment (Expanded):
• Write 5 sentences and underline the subject and predicate in each.
• Write a short paragraph (5–6 sentences) showing correct subject-predicate agreement.
Follow-up Activity:
• Prepare a descriptive paragraph for the next class using at least 3 different subjects and their matching predicates.
Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
• Struggling Learners: Provide examples with underlined subjects and predicates for practice.
• Advanced Learners: Challenge them to write complex and compound sentences using subject-predicate agreement.
• Students with Disabilities: Use visual aids, oral practice, and group support to aid understanding.
Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
• What worked well? ______________________________________________________
• What needs improvement? _________________________________________________
• Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low