Teaching subject-verb agreement is an important grammar skill, but it can be a tricky one for students to master. How can we make sure that the subject and verb are always in agreement in a sentence? Everything runs more smoothly when we all get along, don't you agree? Subjects and verbs are no different! Keep reading for strategies, activities, and lessons on teaching subject-verb agreement in 2nd grade.
Enhance Literacy with Embedded Grammar Lessons
Research on the Science of Reading (SOR) dating back to the 1970s shows that teaching grammar as isolated rules doesn't effectively transfer to writing and speaking. What works better is embedding grammar within the context of writing. This is why our writing program Lucky to Learn Writing (LTLW) includes grammar skills integrated into writing lessons. This approach ensures that the same skills and standards are met, but in a meaningful context that connects with the rest of the literacy curriculum.
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We also recognize the value of targeted practice and intervention to reinforce these skills. That's why we've compiled a list of our favorite grammar activities that provide additional practice and intervention opportunities. These activities are designed to complement our integrated approach, ensuring students have a well-rounded understanding of grammar concepts. Let's dive into these engaging and effective activities!
What is subject-verb agreement?
In order for a sentence to make sense and be grammatically correct, the subject and the verb must agree. But before we can begin teaching subject-verb agreement, a quick review of subjects and verbs may be necessary for some students.
Subject: The person, place, or thing the sentence is all about. Or, the person, place, or thing making the action in the sentence.
Verb: The action word in a sentence.
Examples of subject-verb agreement
Do these sentences sound correct?
- The girl run fast.
- The girls runs fast.
No! These sentences do not have subject-verb agreement!
Remember for a subject and verb to agree:
- If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular.
- If the subject is singular, add an -s or -es to the verb to make it agree.
Example: The girl runs fast.
- If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
- If the subject is plural, it will have an -s, -es, or -ies at the ending.
Example: The girls run fast.
An easy way to remember: only one part of the sentence – the subject OR the verb, should have an -s, -es, or -ies at the ending to agree. If they both have the same ending, the subject and verb do not agree!
Need a review of plural nouns? Then check out this post – there are so many great verb anchor charts here!
Strategies for Teaching Subject-Verb Agreement
One of the best ways to teach subject-verb agreement is by listening! Studies have shown that native English speakers as young as 2 years old can recognize spoken patterns of subject-verb agreement. Likewise, your second-grade learners should be able to recognize when they hear a sentence that does or does not agree. To correct a sentence, have students read it out loud, or even record themselves reading the sentence. Does it sound right? Why or why not? Use anchor charts to help correct the sentence so the subject and verb agree.
2nd Grade Literacy Centers to Teach Subject Verb Agreement
How to Teach Subject-Verb Agreement in a Fun Way
Are you looking for fun activities and resources to teach subject-verb agreement? Check out these centers and classroom activities to practice subject-verb agreement in the second-grade classroom.
Center: We Go Together Like…
Students will have fun making subjects and verbs agree with the center below. Students will find a verb that makes sense with each subject, match the cards together, and record complete sentences on the answer sheet.
Another fun way to use this center is to play it as a whole class game! To play, give each student a subject or verb card. The students must talk to their classmates to find the card that matches their subject or verb. Once students have found their match, they will stay together until all the other pairs have been found. Then, take turns reading the sentences out loud with the class to check. Mix up the cards and play again!
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Center: Carnival Rides
Tickets! Get your tickets here! Students will love this imaginative carnival center. To play, students will choose a carnival ride card. Then, they will find the mistake in the sentence and find the ticket to correct each sentence. Record on the answer sheet, and repeat.
To add some extra fun to this center, post the “rides” and “tickets” around the room. Using a clip board and recording sheet, students will walk around the room to find the correct answers.
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Activity: Spring Sentences
This page from our 2nd Grade Early Finisher resource is a great review for subject-verb agreement. Students will read the sentence and identify the correct verb to match. For extra fun, have the students act out the sentences when they are done.
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Activity: Daily Review
Do your learners need consistent, daily grammar review? Then look no further than Grammar Day-by-Day. This resource features a spiral review of important grammar rules, including subject-verb agreement.
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Sentence Fixers
Sentence fixers are a fun way for students to practice grammar skills! This grammar practice is available in both print and digital versions, to reach all learners. Students will identify the errors in the sentence, and then rewrite the sentence correctly. This is a great activity to use for literacy centers, small group instruction, homework, independent review, morning work, and more!
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With these teaching tips and resource idea, subject-verb agreement will be a grammar skill your students will easily master. Check out the list below for strategies, activities, and lessons on teaching other grammar concepts in 2nd grade.
Other 2nd Grade Grammar Skills:
If it’s time to teach a different grammar skill, check out these amazing posts:
Hey, the anchor chart poster you have is correct. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular.
However, the text in your article says the opposite of this rule.
Furthermore, your salt/pepper game also matches up the pepper and the salt together, which don’t agree in a sentence. In a sentence, the plural subject (pepper) would agree with the plural verb (another pepper).
Oh my goodness, Jacqueline, great catch on that typo! We fixed the text and thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. Together we are better!