The written sentence: simple, compound and complex

This webinar focuses on sentence combining as an evidence-based strategy for moving students from simple to compound to complex sentences. Presenter Kristin Anthian explores the research literature showing that explicit, systematic instruction in manipulating syntax within sentences improves students' syntactical control and writing maturity. The session addresses why students who struggle to formulate well-crafted sentences—using effective transcription, correct syntax, accurate spelling, and diverse vocabulary—often find paragraph and text-level writing profoundly challenging. Drawing on 40+ years of positive research findings on sentence combining, the session provides practical instructional approaches for beginning and struggling writers.