This Real Grammar KS2 resources pack provides everything that you need to successfully explore subjunctive forms in KS2 with pupils in Year 6. Teaching slides, worksheets, games and an opportunity to apply the new learning in a writing task are all included to create a complete resource to teach how the subjunctive form is used in very formal writing.
Pupils will need to be familiar with verbs, including the forms of the verb ‘to be’, pronouns, and writing in the first, second and third person.
What is the subjunctive form?
The subjunctive form is used in very formal speech and writing. It can be used to suggest or demand, or indicate something that is desired, especially something that is important or urgent.
- It is important that he attend. (Rather than: It is important that he attends.)
The subjunctive form can also be used to show hypothetical situations or wishes.
- If she were rich, she would buy a zoo.
- I wish I were a bird so I could fly above the clouds.
How is the subjunctive formed?
Sentences that use the subjunctive form to suggest or demand follow the same structure.
noun/pronoun verb that noun/pronoun infinitive verb (root word) additional information to end the sentence
Mrs Drake asks that the class attend promptly
The sergeant commanded that he listen carefully
These infinitive verbs are often used when using the subjunctive form: suggest, attend, insist, propose, command, ask, recommend, demand, request, propose, advise, urge, order, be.
When showing desires and wishes, sentences in the subjunctive form begin:
- ‘I wish I were...’ or ‘If I were…’
The pronoun can be changed, for example:
- ‘If she were...’ or ‘They wish they were…’
What is included in this resource pack?
This pack is divided into five parts:
TEACH
This section includes PowerPoint teaching slides and teaching notes with an optional script to introduce the subjunctive. It can also be used to revisit this aspect of grammar with pupils.
PRACTISE
An independent activity for pupils to practise using what they have been taught, allowing teachers to assess understanding.
REVISIT
A series of short, 10-minute activities that can be used following the TEACH session to revisit and rehearse what has been taught. These may be short writing tasks, grammar games or editing/proofreading activities.
APPLY
A short writing task where pupils can use the grammar skills taught in context to produce independent writing.
REVISE
Five SATs style test questions, including cloze activities and multiple choice quiz questions, based on the grammar that has been taught.
Teachers can choose which section of the resource pack to use according to their pupils’ needs and could use the activities over a series of lessons or weeks
Teacher notes are provided to show how these quality resources could be used with pupils.
How is this resource differentiated?
The PRACTISE and REVISE sections include three activities differentiated for three levels of ability:
- Worksheet 1 for pupils who may need support. Questions will have a lower cognitive domain (what is being asked of pupils) and/or vocabulary used may be simplified where possible.
- Worksheet 2 for pupils working at age related expectations.
- Worksheet 3 for pupils who may need an additional challenge and may be working at a greater depth in this area. Questions will have a higher cognitive domain with more challenging vocabulary.
SUPPORT and CHALLENGE ideas are also included in the teacher notes of each section where relevant, with ideas of how to support pupils working towards the expected standard or at greater depth in this area.
What pupil-facing resources are included?
Answer sheets for all worksheets are provided, where appropriate.