lesson
Put a useful detail first
1 · Learn
An adverbial adds information such as when, where or how. When it comes before the main clause, it is fronted. In 'After lunch, the team practised', After lunch tells when.
Use a comma after a fronted adverbial. The phrase should fit the sentence, not be added just to make it longer. Try reading aloud to hear the information it sets up.
2 · Worked example
I change 'The fox crossed the path at dawn' to 'At dawn, the fox crossed the path.' I keep the meaning and add the comma.
3 · Your turn
Move 'beside the wall' to the beginning: 'The ladder stood beside the wall.' Add punctuation.
Check your answer
Beside the wall, the ladder stood.
4 · Apply your learning
Write three short sentences beginning with a time, place and manner adverbial. Explain what each opening adds.
Adult guidance and safety
Read and discuss whole books, poems and plays alongside these original short models. Give evidence for interpretations and accept well-supported alternatives. Revisit spelling and handwriting over time; retain individual decoding support where needed.
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