Parts of Speech for kids

This English grammar lapbook is a complete unit study on the parts of speech for kids from Kindergarten to second grade. It includes hands-on activities, graphic organizers, interactive notebook style journaling, task cards, and a Parts of Speech story.

This unit covers most 1st grade standards (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1.A-I), but can easily be differentiated for use with students a grade up or down. Younger students can use the pre-filled activities, while older students can use the fill-in-the-blank versions.

But let me insert a brief backstory here …

As an undergrad, I majored in Math and English, with an emphasis on Creative Writing. I chose the Creative Writing track in part because I love writing, but also to avoid what I considered the drier, more esoteric “grammar” classes. I never saw any use for diagramming sentences, and it was only when I started learning Spanish that I heard the word “conjugation.”

Honestly, I’m still not completely sold on the value of learning all the finer, academic details (feel free to enlighten me if you feel the need!) … but as a lover of writing and creativity, I have come around to seeing the value of laying a strong basis for helping our kids understand how language works.

I whole-heartedly believe in a “whole language” approach to life and learning – I trust that immersion in literature, writing, analytical thinking, and conversation will naturally lead to a well-developed understanding of the nuances of the ridiculously confusing English language.

BUT …

… I also believe that analyzing and practicing different types of sentence structures will turn students into stronger writers. Learning how to elaborate a simple sentence with well-chosen adverbs and adjectives, how to vary sentences to make for an easier read, and above all, how to capitalize proper nouns and write the right words (!), will help students develop and convey coherent thoughts, which is essential for any career field (or most any relationship!).

All that to say, now that I have my own kids, I do feel compelled to teach them the subject I dreaded and avoided myself. I want to lay a good foundation in the basics of grammar so they can learn to write effectively – and hopefully, passionately! 😉

So, back to the point …

I designed this lapbook to lay a solid foundation in the understanding of the English language and the basic parts of speech, but you can add on practice worksheets of activities to any section if students need more practice. It can supplement any curriculum or stand alone as a “groundwork” unit of study on the Parts of Speech for kids.

As students assemble this lapbook, they will develop a strong understanding of eight parts of speech:

Nouns (with plural, possessive, and plural possessive nouns)
Verbs (with irregular “to be” verbs)
Adjectives
Adverbs
Pronouns
Prepositions
Conjunctions
Articles
(The official 8th part of speech is “Interjections.” I have not included it here. I might add that into a future version.)

How to Use this Lapbook

To make this lapbook, all you need is a file folder, a printer, paper, scissors, and glue/tape.

You can print everything in black and white on colored paper, or print the colored version on white paper. (Or any combination thereof!)

This is intended to be used over an extended period of time, with plenty of opportunity for students to create their own lapbook using the provided activities. By the end of the unit, they will have created a condensed portfolio that they can refer back to as often as needed. They will take more pride and ownership in their knowledge through this creative process than if they simply completed worksheets and took tests on the topic.

Ideally, they will focus on one part of speech at a time, making the lapbook section, then answering the questions on the related task cards, and finally making and filling out the mini-books.

There are 24 task cards (mini worksheets / homework / exit tickets / use as you will) to provide more practice with the concepts covered here. (I’ve added more since I took this picture, so not all are pictured below.)

Once they feel they have mastered the concept, they can mark it off on the front checklist. Once the entire unit is done, students can test their knowledge by placing the word cards (from the word bank at the end) into the pockets on the back of the lapbook.

As a “grand finale” to the grammar unit, they can work in partners to fill out the Parts of Speech story (similar to a Mad Libs activity).

FREE mini-books!

You can get a free copy of the Parts of Speech mini-books here.

Get your copy of the lapbook here:

You can see the full product and previews here.

More resources

In my research for this project, I ran across a few other fantastic grammar activities. You may enjoy adding these activities to round out your own grammar unit :).

You may also be interested in these posts and products about other lapbooks I’ve created:

A Writing Curriculum for grades K – 12

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