SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE
Basic and Advanced Sentence Analysis Charts
Sentence Analysis is the Montessori equivalent to the traditional sentence diagraming. This material relates beautifully to previous language
works to which Montessori students have been introduced. By providing the children with a concrete representation of each sentence
component, the foundations and theory behind sentence construction become more tangible and relatable.
Why do we teach Sentence Analysis?
The analysis of writing assists the child in identifying a set of rules that can be transferred into their own written work as well as the study
of foreign languages. In this way, the child begins to identify patterns that allow them to broaden and strengthen their sentence construction.
Additionally, as their reading level increases, the child is presented with more complex sentence structures that can at times be hard to follow.
Having a background in Sentence Analysis allows the child to break down complicated sentences to identify the subject, predicated, direct
object, etc., of compound-complex sentences making them more manageable.
What is the difference between Sentence Parsing and Sentence Analysis?
When parsing a sentence, the child is working to identify the category into which each word independently falls. When analyzing a sentence,
the child is looking at how a word or phrase functions within the sentence as a whole to accomplish a particular job.
How do I use this material?
These charts mirror those presented in the Elementary I and II Montessori albums. The Basic Sentence Analysis charts (pg. 3) are generally
introduced in the 6-9 classroom while the Advanced chart (pg. 4) is introduced in the 9-12. However, I encourage you to follow the child and
identify what level is best suited for them.
These charts can also be paired with my Sentence Analysis Task Cards which provide an increasingly complex sequence of sentences for the
child to analyze.
MATERIAL DESCRIPTIONS
Basic and Advanced Sentence Analysis Charts
The Predicate- This symbol is meant to mimic the Montessori verb This arrow points from the predicate
to the subject.
grammar symbol as the predicate is the part of the sentence
that denotes an action. This is the largest symbol because the This arrow points from the predicate
predicate is the most important/vital part of the sentence. to the direct object.
Without the predicate, the sentence would be incomplete. This arrow points from the predicate
to the indirect object..
The Subject- This symbol carries the same color as the This arrow points to the adjective.
Montessori noun grammar symbol as the subject is, more often
than not, a noun that is doing the action. It is slightly smaller This arrow points to the adverb of place.
than the predicate as it does not contain the same level of
importance. This arrow points to the adverb of time.
The Direct Object- This symbol also carries the same color as This arrow points to the adverb of
the Montessori noun grammar symbol. It is again slightly purpose.
smaller than the subject and represents what is being done or
what is receiving the action. This arrow points to the adverb of
possession.
The Indirect Object- Again, this symbol carries the same color This arrow points to the adverb of
as the Montessori noun grammar symbol. It is slightly smaller manner.
than the direct object and illustrates who or what is receiving
the direct object. This arrow points to the adverb of cause.
This arrow points to the adverb of
The Adverbial Phrase- This symbol carries the same color as the accompaniment.
Montessori adverb grammar symbol. It is slightly smaller than the
indirect object and further describes a verb, adverb, or adjective. This arrow points to the adverb of
It answers questions such as, “how?” “why?” and “when?” source.
This arrow points to the adverb of agent.
The Adjective- This symbol carries the same shape and color as
the Montessori adverb grammar symbol and can add description
to the subject, direct object, or indirect object. This arrow points to the adverb of
instrument.
subject
who is it that?
predicate whom? what? direct
what is it that? object
indirect
object
m?
ho
fo rw
o m?
h
t ow
who is it that? direct
subject what is it that? predicate whom? what?
object
from where?
from what?
wi ith w
wh m?
w
th
indirect
at?
by who
wh hat?
object
om
by
?
m?
ho m?
wh w
to wh
o
y?
for
who is it that? direct
subject what is it that? predicate whom? what? object
by
m
by eans
? me
ho w ans of wh
of w om?
hat
?
ha ?
w om
w
t?
he
of w h
what
when
re
of
?
for?
