Sentence Stretching Prompt Cards
A simple prompt routine that helps Year 1 and 2 writers grow a short sentence into a richer, more detailed one.
Classroom routine + printable
What it is
A set of spoken and visual prompts, who, what, where, when and why, that guide young writers to expand a basic sentence one step at a time. It turns “The dog ran.” into “The big brown dog ran fast across the park because it saw a ball.” without overwhelming the child.
How to use it
Start with a plain sentence the class agrees on. Show one prompt at a time and ask the question aloud. Each answer adds one new part to the sentence, and children rehearse the growing sentence orally before they write, so the writing feels achievable.
When it works best
Most effective in short, focused bursts during shared or guided writing, and as a warm-up before independent writing. It is especially supportive for children who can talk in detail but freeze when asked to write.