A Ninja Subject and Predicate Classroom Transformation

Let’s face it, grammar is usually NOT students’ favorite subject, however, it is so important that students learn how to write properly. They must be able to identify whether or not they are writing a complete thought in a sentence and get their message across to the writer effectively. For this reason, using hands-on subject and predicate activities is a great method for teaching these otherwise ‘boring’ skills.

After teaching this concept to fifth grade students for years, I decided to implement a ninja subject and predicate classroom transformation and the results were phenomenal.

Students (and parents) have had such positive things to say about this unit throughout the years.

“Thank you for all you do for us. I really appreciate it.” -student

“That was so much fun!” -student

“Thank you for the ninja lesson you did with my son. He told me all about it during dinner. These types of lessons are exactly what my son needs to stay motivated.” -parent

After these responses, I KNEW I had to share this lesson with my virtual co-teachers.

The Lesson:

Students started off by working on a flap book where they defined and gave examples of a complete subject, complete predicate, simple subject, and simple predicate.

Subject and predicate interactive notebook activities not only help students learn the concept but make a good future reference.

2. After discussing the examples, students received sample sentences. Students got into their

ninja stances, ready to “chop” their sentences between the complete subject and complete

predicate.

3. Once the sentence was read, students asked, “Who is the sentence about?” and chopped the
sentence. This helped them identify the subject of the sentence. Students labeled the
“WHO” of the sentence as the complete subject.

4. They then asked, “What about the subject?” Once they answered the question, they labeled it
“Complete Predicate.”

5. They then identified the specific noun in the complete subject and labeled it “Simple Subject,”
and the verb in the complete predicate and labeled it “Simple Predicate.”

6. Students then work independently on task cards, identifying the underlined part of the
sentence in order to review the skill on their own.

Chopping sentences during a subject predicate classroom transformation.

The short video below is an example of the training.

After a couple of days of training, ninjas were given their final subject and predicate assessment. Ninjas were allowed to sit wherever they wanted to take their assessment, but needed to be spread out around the room. Some ninjas even enjoyed taking their test on the floor on comfy pillows.

Working on a subject and predicate worksheet assessment to earn their black belts.

7. We ended the lesson with everyone’s favorite part, the belt ceremony.

Students’ tests were graded on the spot, and those who received an A, received their black belt while ninja music played in the background.

Earning a black belt for mastering subjects and predicates.

Students were excited to wear their black belts around school. It felt GREAT to hear them share their understanding of the lesson with others as they were asked about their black belt.

Props Used:

1. Black Belts: The “black belts” were grosgrain ribbon I purchased at Hobby Lobby, (a “thrifty” prop that did the job), but can also be found on Amazon.

2. Karate Uniform: My karate outfit was purchased through Amazon.

3. Resource: The subject/predicate resource I used with my students during this classroom transformation you can be found HERE.