Fundamentals in the Sentence Writing Strategy (for students in grades 2+) is a set of
instructional lessons during which students will learn basic grammar terms as well as how to
write and check several types of simple sentences. Instruction in Fundamentals in the Sentence
Writing Strategy (FSW) is appropriate for students who need a thorough grounding in basic
concepts and terms, such as “subject,” “verb,” or “infinitive.” FSW can be used as a
developmental writing curriculum or as a quick set of review lessons to improve students’
understanding of these concepts.

This strategy helps students:

• Learn basic, essential grammar terms and concepts, such as “subject,” “verb,” or “infinitive.”
• Write and check several types of simple sentences.
• Clearly understand the components of a complete sentence.
• Develop metacognitive strategies by incorporating task initiation and self-monitoring into writing and checking sentences.

• The mnemonics PENS and MARK make the steps actionable and support students to recall and apply them independently.
• The lessons use explicit, strategic, and sequential instruction with mastery learning.
• The strategy is part of the Strategic Instruction Model (SIM), which has a strong evidence base for improving writing performance of all students, include those with learning disabilities.
• Each lesson includes teacher modeling as well as verbal practice, guided practice, and independent practice with feedback for students.