MADly in Love with the Sentence Patterning Chart: A fun and effective extension activity

This month, I had the joy of presenting at WABE (Washington Association for Bilingual Education), where the room was buzzing with passionate and creative educators. Our session? “One Strategy – Endless Possibilities.” And what was our jumping-off point? You guessed it...

The Sentence Patterning Chart (SPC)

For those who’ve had an initial GLAD® training, you know we only have time to scratch the surface of each strategy during those jam-packed days. The SPC is no exception. This year's WABE session was a delightful opportunity to explore meaningful ways for extending the SPC beyond the basics. 

Let’s talk about one favorite: an engaging twist on the classic Mad Libs—reimagined for deeper academic value, language development, and laughter-filled learning! 

Mad Libs Meets SPC: Language Practice with a Purpose 

Instead of passing around a generic Mad Libs booklet, let’s get intentional—and connected to what students are learning in class.

Here’s how to set it up: 

1. Choose a Text

Use a story students are reading or one aligned with a content-area unit. For example, during a science unit on earth processes, try the narrative Ricky the Rock that Couldn't Roll by Mr. Jay. 

2. Prepare the Text 

Select a short section. Adapt it as needed for pacing and engagement. Highlight parts of speech such as adjectives, adverbs, and prepositional phrases that align with your Sentence Patterning Chart. 

3. Color-Code & Remove 

Replace each highlighted word with a blank color-coded line (e.g., red for adjectives). Keep the overall sentence structure to retain meaning and context. 

In this example - I used the story Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina  because it was a book students were already reading in their reading groups.  Download a copy of our fillable Caps for Sale Mad Libs

4. Pair Students 

• Student A holds the story. Don't let Student B peek!

• Student B provides the words, using the SPC or their imagination. 

• A writes what B says, then they read it together. 

Prepare for snorts, giggles, and authentic grammar practice. 

Students Write their Own Mad Lib Stories

For added ownership and deeper application: 

1. Plan a Simple Story Using a Graphic Organizer 
Students plan a short story idea with a graphic organizer: Who? What? When? Where? Problem? Solution?  

2. Write the Original Story 
 6–10 sentences focused on a single topic.  

3. Revise for Detail 
Add vivid adjectives,   prepositional phrases, and  adverbs.

4. Highlight & Color Code 
 Highlight and underline each part of speech using SPC’s color system. 

5. Create the Mad Lib Version 
Rewrite and replace highlighted words with blank colored lines. Swap stories with a partner and repeat the fun!  

Whether your students are just beginning to produce English (or your target language) or expanding their academic language use, the SPC+Mad Lib combo provides accessible and joy-filled language growth.