Teach complex sentences with this comprehensive lesson sequence, designed to explicitly teach how authors combine ideas using independent and dependent clauses to create more cohesive, detailed and purposeful writing.

Note: Get the most from this lesson by using it with the matching teacher slides and independent student activities. Click here to view the bundle.

Built around the I Do, We Do, You Do model, this lesson sequence provides a scaffolded pathway from explicit teacher modelling to guided analysis and supported application. Students develop their understanding of how complex sentences are formed by combining a main (independent) clause with one or more dependent clauses, strengthening meaning and showing clear relationships between ideas.

Through explicit teaching, shared reading, worked examples and scaffolded learning experiences, students examine sentences to identify independent and dependent clauses (e.g. Although it was raining, we went outside / We went outside although it was raining). They compare simple and complex sentences to explore how adding dependent clauses expands ideas, improves sentence flow and creates more sophisticated writing. Students also investigate how subordinating conjunctions, such as because, although, when and if, connect ideas and influence meaning before applying this understanding to construct, edit and refine their own complex sentences.

What's included in this lesson sequence?

• Two teaching options: AWHITEBUS or ISAWAWABUB (acronyms to teach subordinating conjunctions)
• Clear learning intentions and success criteria focused on identifying and constructing complex sentences
• Explicit teaching of independent (main) and dependent clauses
• Modelled examples demonstrating how subordinating conjunctions combine clauses to strengthen meaning
• Guided analysis tasks comparing simple and complex sentence structures
• Structured practice identifying independent and dependent clauses within authentic examples
• Supported sentence construction and editing opportunities to apply learning across a range of contexts
• Built-in check-ins for learning to monitor understanding throughout the lesson
• A reflective exit ticket to inform next-step teaching and differentiation

Perfect for upper primary classrooms, this lesson sequence equips students with the skills to confidently construct and edit complex sentences, improving sentence fluency, cohesion and precision across narrative, informative and persuasive writing.

Format: PDF

Aligned to Australian Curriculum Outcome: Understand that the structure of a complex sentence includes a main clause and at least one dependent clause, and understand how writers can use this structure for effect (AC9E5LA05).