Wanna know why it’s best to practice the subordinating conjunctions with examples? Because that’s something I think is true. Students need to see grammar points in action. They need to see its use and be able to use what they learn, and that’s how they internalize the content. So what do I do to teach subordinating conjunctions in my lessons? Let me tell you!
I used to have one colleague that was quite old-fashioned when it came to learning new words. He would have students learn a list of subordinating conjunctions with their Dutch translations (our students’ L1) and maybe their function thrown in there as well. But no examples, and there was no practicing actually using these words. So I came up with my own exercises on subordinating conjunctions. Let me tell you what I do!
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What are the 7 subordinating conjunctions?
First, there aren’t just seven of them! But then what are examples of subordinating conjunctions? I’ve listed them in the picture above here. Although, after, because, before, if, once, and when are seven of the most commonly used ones. They are used in dependent clauses and need to be joined with independent clauses (full sentences) to become a correct sentence. Example: ‘As soon as my head hit my pillow, I fell asleep.’ ‘As soon as’ is a subordinating conjunction.
Subordinating conjunctions examples in sentences
So what first needs to happen is that students realize what the options are. What subordinating conjunctions are there and what is their function? In the picture above you’ll find a list of common conjunctions divided by functions: time, reason, comparison, concession, condition, and manner. And then they need to see these subordinating conjunctions in action. Show them some example sentences, which you can find here. And get them to practice!
I use BOOM cards for this, because they are self-checking, meaning that students will need to find the correct answer in order to continue through the deck. It means they will always be able to check their own answers right away. I give them sets of example sentences with gaps in them, and students have to fill in the correct subordinating conjunction. To ensure enough practice throughout the year, I have created 4 decks of 25 questions. If you want to check out what I did, then this is the bundle of task cards I use.
Subordinating conjunctions worksheet
Another way we practice the subordinating conjunctions is with the Mystery Picture Puzzle Pixel Art worksheet I made. This one is also self-checking. And then I also made a ‘normal’, simple printable worksheet that has them match the subordinating conjunctions with the sentence they should be added to.
Practice done, now do!
And then it’s time for doing! I will hang up posters with a subordinating conjunction on them and scatter those around the walls of the classroom. I give each student two sticky notes (they may always take more) and I will ask them to write a correct sentence with one of the subordinating conjunctions on them and stick them on the matching poster. It will force them to think of a situation that would call for a conjunction to be used. It’s a really fun exercise because it makes them think, but it will also show them how other students would use the words. Very interactive and engaging!
Of course, after all this practice we hope that they will improve their writing next time by using these subordinating conjunctions, and it’s all we can hope for, really. I felt practice had been successful when I read their letters of application a few weeks later 🙂
Other articles on grammar:
Check out this article on using Bloom’s Taxonomy to design meaningful tasks.
And this one about introducing grammar topics in a fun way.
