Some of the objectives linked to grammar in the primary English National Curriculum continue to prompt debate. There are questions about the value of teaching different aspects. However, when it comes to teaching the terminology linked to word classes in KS2, I am on the side of those who would view it as worthwhile.
Once pupils understand different word classes, they can think more carefully about how words are used and the impact they have in reading and writing. Admittedly, learning about nouns, adjectives, verbs and other word classes is not always exciting, especially if it is taught in an uninspiring or isolated way. This blog post offers ideas for teaching word classes effectively and engagingly, along with some helpful freebies to get you started.
Teaching Word Classes in KS2: Fun Starter Activities
Using a practical or oral starter activity is an effective way to introduce a lesson linked to a word class. This will engage pupils, appeal to different types of learners and help pupils to grasp the essence of the function of the word class. Here is a list of fun activities which could be used to introduce five key word classes in KS2.
- Nouns: Explain that nouns name people, places and things. Ask pupils to identify nouns in the classroom environment. You could play I-Spy and point out that all of the items involved will be nouns.
- Adjectives: Explain that adjectives are often called describing words. Ask pupils to choose an item within the classroom (or possibly something that could be seen out of the window) and describe it in detail without naming it. Others can then try guess what it is from their description - which of course will involve the use of adjectives.
- Pronouns: A variation to the activity to the one above can also be used to introduce pronouns. Explain that pronouns are used in place of nouns. Have pupils play the game 'Guess Who' or 'Guess What'. Ask pupils to choose a famous person or an item. They should try to describe or give facts about the person or thing without naming it whilst other pupils try to guess what is being described. This will involve using the pronouns he, she or it (or they if for example, a pupil was describing a pop group or football team).
- Verbs: Explain that verbs can be used to show actions. A fun way to clarify this is to have pupils show you verbs by doing them or acting them out, for example, hopping, jumping, eating etc.
- Adverbs: Explain that some types of adverbs can be used to show how something is done. Display a list of adverbs linked to walking, such as quickly, slowly, miserably and excitedly, choose different pupils to enter the room acting out one of the words. The rest of the class can try to guess the adverb being performed.
Deepening Understanding of Word Classes in KS2
Effective teaching of word classes in KS2 will involve deepening pupils' understanding of their function, use and variations within word classes. For example, pupils should be taught about different types of nouns, including common nouns, proper nouns, collective nouns and abstract nouns; they should be taught that adverbs show when, where and to what extent; they need to recognise not just action verbs, but also verbs which represent occurrence or state of being such as is, have, were, became.
Pupils need clear definitions, to see words working inside real sentences and texts and the opportunity to apply what they have learnt. Click the image below to discover the fabulous range of resources available from Primary Texts, which will help teachers teach five key words classes that are taught in KS2 with ease. You'll find straightforward-to-use PPT lessons which include explanation, activities and practice exercises for pupils to complete as well as opportunities for discussion. Lessons are also adaptable. No prep or printing is required.
We've included a free lesson on nouns to help you get started!
Other word classes in KS2 that pupils are expected to know are determiners (the most common form are articles - a, and the), conjunctions and prepositions. Objectives related to the teaching of these parts of speech are specific to year group. Below are some examples of easy-to-use PPT lessons which cover these word classes and are available from Primary Texts.
Year 4 determiners
Year 3 Conjunctions
Year 4 fronted adverbials
We offer a wide range of SPAG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) lessons which include lessons on word classes related to different year groups in KS2. Click the button below to view our full range of KS2 SPAG lessons.
It is commonly accepted that there are nine parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, articles and interjections. Interjections are words which occur on their own and express sudden emotions, reactions, or feelings. Examples include: Ouch! Wow! Stop! Hey! Cool! Huh? When teaching word classes in KS2, there are no objectives within the national curriculum that specify that teachers must teach interjections. However, they are easy to discuss and explaining them can be worthwhile as pupils may come across them in their reading or wish to use them in their writing.
Recapping Word Classes in KS2
When children understand word classes, they gain tools for reading with insight and writing with greater control. However, it is important to note that pupils are unlikely to retain what they have learnt about specific word classes after doing a one-off lesson or unit. For example, I have often had year 6 pupils asking me what a noun or a verb is despite these terms first being introduced in year 2! The key to teaching word classes so they stick is revisit them often, discuss their use in meaningful contexts and to be prepared to recap and revise them.
There are numerous ways to incorporate discussion of word classes into primary English lessons in order to improve understanding and develop literacy skills. Here are a just a few ways that teachers can keep the terminology of word classes fresh in children's minds.
Revising Specific Word Classes
In reading lessons, incorporate close reading exercises which involve identifying specified word classes in short segments of text. This will strengthen children's understanding of the author's craft and help them to understand why a particular piece of writing is effective. For example, you could discuss the use of powerful verbs or identify adjectives that help create vivid imagery. Finding sentences with pronouns and working out who or what these are referring to is a great way to develop inference skills.
Make a habit of referring to word classes during writing sessions. For example, remind pupils about using past tense verbs in stories, encourage them to use a range of adjectives to create exciting descriptions, explain how to use pronouns to create cohesion, ask them to include compound and complex sentences in their work using a range of conjunctions or remind them to vary sentence openers by experimenting with placing adverbs or adverbial phrases at the beginning.
General Revision
The activities below will help you revise aspects of word classes or recap all word classes. They could be used as English lesson starter activities or within dedicated grammar lessons.
- Improve the sentence orally: Start with a basic sentence, such as 'The man walked.'. Ask pupils to take turns adding adjectives, adverbs, prepositional phrases or other word classes discussing how each addition changes the sentence.
- Word class corners: Label four corners of the room with different word classes. Say a word aloud and ask pupils move to the corner they think correctly identifies it. Make this into a game by having those who choose the wrong corner be 'out'. Build understanding during the game by explaining why each word fits into the class that is correct. This fun game can also be used to discuss types within word classes. For example, you could play the game based on nouns with corners labelled common, proper, abstract and collective; or you could play the game using adverbs of time, place, manner and intensity.
- Video Recap: There are lots of videos on YouTube that discuss word classes in KS2. Check out the lovely video below. It's great for a quick recap. It explains the different word classes clearly and has a few practice exercises at the end.
*Teachers are advised to check video links for suitability before playing them to pupils.
- Grammar through poetry: The lesson below is available for free from Primary Texts. It's based on a classic poem that was once used to teach word classes (parts of speech). It's a great way to recap the nine different parts of speech in one session. Click the image below to view details.
Word Classes Poetry Lesson for KS2
We hope you this blog post gave you some useful ways to liven up teaching word classes in KS2. You might also be interested in the following blog posts:
Easy to Use Resources for Year 6 SPAG Revision
Easy Ways to Teach Figurative Language in KS2
