Teaching Assistant

Sentence Architecture for TAs: From Clauses to Cohesion

What if improving pupils’ writing was less about teaching more features and more about strengthening the structure beneath every sentence they write? This course explores the concept of sentence architecture, equipping TAs with a clear understanding of how simple, compound and complex sentences are constructed and why clause control underpins both writing quality and reading comprehension. Through practical routines, structured clause banks, reading-writing connections and intervention-ready strategies, you will learn how to reduce cognitive load, model sentence construction effectively and build pupils’ independence over time. The focus is not on isolated grammar rules, but on helping pupils make deliberate, confident structural choices that improve clarity, cohesion and impact.

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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania,
 Jess Hursit & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course


By completing this course, you will:

understand and explain the core building blocks of sentence construction – including phrases, main and subordinate clauses, conjunctions, sentence types and key grammatical concepts – using clear, accessible meta-language;
support pupils in progressing from simple to compound and complex sentences, helping them develop confidence, control and flexibility in their written expression;
identify and address common sentence-level errors (such as comma splicing, run-ons and fragments) with accurate diagnosis and sensitive, supportive correction strategies;
use practical, tactile and visual interventions – including sentence stripping, sentence expanding and manipulatives – to make sentence structure explicit, concrete and accessible for all learners;
develop pupils’ ability to craft cohesive, fluent and purposeful sentences, promoting clarity and authorial intent without overwhelming them with unnecessary technical terminology.

Course Lessons

Course Lessons

Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania  

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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader, while working across key stage 1 and 2 (mainly based in years 2 and 6). Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Primary Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.

From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Yiotina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a Twinkl CPD Content Writer and Editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful resources that continue to support educators and learners.

Presented by: Jess Hursit

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Jess Hursit is an experienced teacher with a strong background in maths education. As a former maths lead, she worked closely with Maths Hubs and supported the development of her school’s maths curriculum. Jess has worked in a leading training school, where her teaching was regularly observed by visiting educators, and she served as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.

In collaboration with Carly Watkins

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Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.