Teaching Students to Write Sentences

Abstract

Being able to write a sentence is an essential part of overall writing proficiency, but this can be a challenge for many students. This article provides a systematic review of the extant literature on sentence-writing instruction. Sixteen studies designed to improve sentence writing for students who are typically achieving or have disabilities or other writing needs were reviewed. Across studies, explicit instruction, self-regulation strategies, and sentence-writing practice were associated with improvements in writing. Directions for future research and limitations in the existing knowledge base about sentence-writing instruction and interventions are described.