Systematic and Explicit Instruction on Using Subject Pronouns in Complete Sentences

What are subject pronouns?

Pronouns replace nouns in sentences. Subject pronouns are pronouns that replace nouns that are doing the action in a sentence. For example, Jack runs can become he runs. Subject pronouns usually come at the beginning of sentences, but as we learn about more complex sentences, we will find subject pronouns in different places. Here is a list of subject pronouns.

I

you

he

she

they

we

it

Here is a video to help your students understand subject pronouns.

Example Sentences

After introducing subject pronouns to your students, you will want to show them examples. When looking at example sentences, point out the capitalized first letter, spacing between words, and ending punctuation. Speaking of ending punctuation. I recommend sticking with periods until you can give a lesson on the other types of ending punctuation.

This should be a quick part of the lesson. You can ask students what they notice but quickly point out the important parts of the sentence. In this case, make sure your students notice that subject pronouns replace nouns. Like nouns, subject pronouns can be singular or plural. We can also use past, present, or future tense verbs with subject pronouns.

Subject Pronouns Pictures

You can show these five pictures to your students to help them brainstorm subject pronouns. Give students about thirty seconds to think about each picture. Then, have them share the subject pronoun they see or think of and the noun it is replacing with a partner. Finally, collect three to five ideas per picture to record in a class anchor chart.

Printable Resources

These ideas will get you started teaching your subject pronouns lessons, but we have printable resources that will make a huge difference. Luckily, my team at For the Love has you covered! You can get all of these resources to make planning and teaching a breeze!

Word List: A list of words for the lesson for when your mind goes blank while brainstorming.

Word Chart: A tool for students to organize words they will use to write sentences. Students record words from brainstorming on their word charts, so when they write sentences, they can focus their attention on the mechanics and syntax of the sentence instead of coming up with new ideas. Word charts are the perfect place to integrate social studies and science lessons into writing.

Example Sentences: A list of example sentences that fit the purpose of the lesson. You can use these to build anchor charts, differentiate instruction or practice for students, or clarify your own understanding of the topic.

Sentence Practice: Students will use the words from their word charts to write complete sentences. The sentence practice pages have more suggestion words as well as reminders about the mechanics of a complete sentence. Students who do not need the support of the handwriting lines can write on a piece of notebook paper, or you can give them the alternate writing paper. It does not have the specific lesson information on it.

You can get the lesson on subject pronouns at Teachers Pay Teachers.

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