This game helps students develop their ability to differentiate between independent and dependent clauses. By sorting clause cards into categories, students practise identifying key grammatical features, encouraging both individual and collaborative learning.

How to Complete

1. Print and cut the game cards and labels.
2. Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a shuffled set of cards.
3. Set up sorting areas with the labels ‘Independent Clauses’ and ‘Dependent Clauses’.
4. One player from the group draws a card, and reads it aloud.
5. Students discuss and decide whether the clause is dependent or independent and place it in the correct category.
6. Points are awarded for correct sorting, with the teacher reviewing the final results. The group with the most points or the group who sorts all cards correctly first, wins the game.

Additional Tips

1. Introduce subordinating conjunctions to help students understand how they are used in dependent clauses.
2. Provide examples of dependent and independent clauses before starting the activity to refresh student knowledge.
3. Incorporate a timer for added excitement and challenge, encouraging groups to sort as accurately and quickly as possible.

Extension Ideas

1. Creative Clause Writing: After sorting, challenge students to use the cards to create complex sentences.

The resource is part of our Year 4 English Unit: Complex Sentences & Conjunctions.