Maison Hero

Clauses Bear The Load

Yesterday we learned that clauses are structural because they contain a subject (keystone) and a verb (beam). Today we test strength. Some clauses can stand alone as a complete room of meaning, others cannot, even though they still contain a subject and a verb. You will identify independent and dependent clauses, explain what makes a clause dependent, and repair incomplete structures by adding the support they require.

Accountability today: Sentence Lab + Sorting Defense + Exit Challenge. All are required to complete the lesson.

Learning Targets and Success Criteria

Targets

  • I can locate the subject and verb in a clause.
  • I can identify whether a clause is independent or dependent.
  • I can underline the subordinator that makes a clause dependent.
  • I can repair a dependent clause by adding an independent clause.
  • I can explain how missing structure causes meaning to break.

Success Criteria

  • I sort at least 8 of 10 cards correctly and write a structural reason for each choice.
  • I label the keystone (subject) and beam (verb) in at least two examples.
  • I circle or underline the subordinator in at least two dependent clauses.
  • I write one complete sentence using both a dependent clause and an independent clause, and I label both parts.
Clause
A structure with a subject and a verb.
Independent Clause
Has a subject and verb, and can stand alone as a complete thought.
Dependent Clause
Has a subject and verb, but cannot stand alone because it begins with a subordinator.
Subordinator
A word that “attaches” a clause (because, when, although, if, since, after, before, while).
Subordinator Signal List
because, when, although, if, since, after, before, while, unless, until

Mini-Lesson: Strength vs Stand-Alone

A clause is load-bearing because it has a subject (keystone) and a verb (beam). But load-bearing is not the same as stand-alone. Some walls can support a whole room by themselves. Others are built from real materials, but only work when they connect to a larger structure.

Independent Clause (Complete Room)

It can stand alone as a complete thought.

Example: The engineer tested the bridge.
Test
If you can say it by itself and it feels finished, it is likely independent.

Dependent Clause (Attached Wing)

It has a subject and verb, but it cannot stand alone because it starts with a subordinator.

Example: Because the engineer tested the bridge.
Test
If it starts with an attachment word (because, when, although) it promises more meaning. If the meaning feels unfinished, it is dependent.
Non-negotiable rule
Do not rely on punctuation. Use function. Ask two questions: (1) Do I see a subject and verb, so it is a clause? (2) Can it stand alone as a complete thought, so it is independent?
Check for Understanding (CFU)
In one sentence, explain why a dependent clause cannot stand alone even though it contains a subject and a verb. Use the word subordinator.
Toolkit Frame

Toolkit

  • A. Highlighters (2 colors) B. Sorting cards (teacher-provided)
  • C. Notebook or chart paper D. Pencil
Session routine
Identify the clause, mark subject and verb, find the subordinator (if present), label independent or dependent, then repair or combine to form a complete structure.

Guided Practice: Sentence Lab

In the lab, you will test structure. You will label subject and verb, then decide whether the clause can stand alone. If it is dependent, you will circle the subordinator and repair it by adding an independent clause.

Sentence Lab
Choose a sample, then complete the mapping protocol.
1) Identify
Is this an independent clause, dependent clause, phrase, or fragment? Prove it by naming the subject and verb, or explaining what is missing.
2) Map
Write a simple blueprint. Label (S) and (V). If it is dependent, circle the subordinator.
3) Repair or Combine
If it is dependent, add an independent clause. If it is independent, add a dependent clause that attaches logically.
4) Defend
Explain your decision using: independent clause, dependent clause, subject, verb, subordinator.
Stress Tests
Stress Test A: Remove the independent clause. Does the meaning collapse?
Stress Test B: Remove the subordinator. Does the clause become independent?

Hands-On: Clause Sorting and Structural Defense

You have been given cards that represent language architecture. Your job is to sort by structure, then defend your choices using proof, not punctuation.

1
Sort: Place each card into one category: Independent (load-bearing), Dependent (attached wing), Phrase (furniture), or Fragment (missing beam).
2
Mark: For at least two clause cards, highlight the subject and verb. If dependent, underline the subordinator.
3
Repair: Choose one dependent clause and repair it by adding an independent clause that completes the meaning.
4
Defend: Write defenses for four cards using sentence starters (two must be dependent clauses).

Sentence Starters (Use These)

  • This is an independent clause because the subject is ___ and the verb is ___, and it can stand alone because ___.
  • This is a dependent clause because the subject is ___ and the verb is ___, but it begins with the subordinator ___, so it depends on ___.
  • This is a phrase because it adds detail, but it has no complete subject-verb structure. The missing part is ___.
  • This is a fragment because it is trying to be a clause, but the missing structural part is ___.

Common Tricky Pair

Phrase
Because of the storm (no subject-verb clause, this is a phrase)
Dependent Clause
Because the storm grew stronger (subject: storm, verb: grew)

Sorting Defense (Required)

Defend Four Cards
Write a defense for each. Two must be dependent clauses. Use the sentence starters above.
Accountability Checklist
One repaired sentence
Write one complete sentence that includes both a dependent clause and an independent clause. Label both parts.
Footer Frame

Exit Challenge (Required)

Explain why this collapses: “Because the engineer tested the bridge.”
Then repair it by adding an independent clause. Use the phrase meaning collapses in your explanation.