Imperative Sentences Learning Activity

New School Rules Posters

When students learn to read and explore the written word, they quickly learn
sentences do a lot of things. They can ask a question, state a fact, deliver strong
emotion, or make a command. Every sentence type has its time and place, and
learning the function and how to use it is essential for becoming a skilled reader and
writer. Unfortunately, students often become bored with grammar and dont really
understand why they need to know different sentence types.
Teaching students about types of sentences doesnt have to be drudgery. Below is
an engaging activity elementary students will love. Not only do they practice
recognizing and creating imperative sentences, theyll feel empowered as they get to
create their own versions of new and improved school rules.
Pre activity lesson
Review with students the function of imperative sentences. Imperative sentences
make a request, give a command, or express a wish. They are usually simple
sentences but its not uncommon to find a complex sentence is also an imperative
one. Depending on the strength of emotion behind the request, command, or wish, a
period or exclamation mark punctuates the sentence.
Now is a good time to remind students that imperative sentences always have a
subject, though it usually isnt obvious. The subject is implied and its always the
word you. And though its not necessary, its considered polite to include the word
please at the beginning or end of the sentence.
School Rules Posters
Materials Needed:
Plain white paper
Colored construction paper
Colored pencils or markers

Glue sticks
Begin the activity by reviewing aloud the list of classroom rules. Most all classroom
rules are imperative sentences:
Raise your hand before speaking.
Be courteous to your classmates.
Bring pencil and paper with you everyday.
Ask students to identify what type of sentence each rule is and then explain why it is
an imperative sentence.
Now students have an opportunity to create school rules they would like to see
implemented. Explain these arent exactly rules of the school but rules for kind
behavior everywhere. The rules can apply outside the classroom such as in the
school cafeteria, playground, or on the school bus. Examples:
Smile at the lunchroom staff when they hand you your tray.
Make a new friend everyday.
Now, using the above materials, each student will create a poster of their rule. Have
students write the rule on the white paper being sure to phrase it as an imperative
sentence. They can draw a picture illustrating the rule in action or apply any other
creative touch. Students love to do this!
After their artwork is finished, students can glue the poster on colored construction
paper.
Post activity
Have students share their posters with the class. Once all students have shown their
posters, the teacher can re-emphasize each poster is an imperative sentence.
Remind students the subject of each sentence, and therefore rule, is you!
Display the students artwork on the classroom wall for a continuing review of
imperative sentences.

Adapting for older grade levels

Though older students could appreciate the poster activity, another age appropriate
choice is to gather popular quotes or slogans on bumper stickers. Examples:
Dont sweat the small stuff.
Just do it.
Students can then compile a booklet titled, My Book of Imperatives or create their
own title that reflects a collection of wishes, requests, or commands.