CJ8 Intervention Overview
Using the SHAPE CODING™ System Coordinated Noun Phrases With But Not / Or Intervention Outline
You will need:
- Laminated shapes: 1 large and 2 small ovals, hexagons, clouds and is/are diamond.
- Black and white pictures for colouring.
- Small figures and toys, e.g. animals, characters, people, vehicles, furniture.
- Photos or photocards for object/people description.
SHAPE CODING app setting: Turn on:
Intervention steps:
- ‘but not’ (coordinated NP)
- Introduce template with ‘but not’ in the oval.
- Relate the coordinated subject to the question word ‘who/what’ . Discuss how ‘but not’ means only the first, not the second NP (shown by the cross) will carry out the action.
- Take turns to produce sentences using ‘but not’ while the other one acts out the sentence.
- When accurate, remove templates. Bring back to check responses .
- Now introduce template with ‘but not’ in the rectangle:
- Relate the coordinated object to the question word “What/who” – discuss how ‘but not’ means only the first, not the second NP (shown by the cross) is acted on.
- Take turns to produce sentences using ‘but not’ while the other one acts out the sentence
- when accurate, remove templates, bring back to check response
- ‘but not’ (Subject NP + Adjective)
- Introduce template with ‘but not’
- Relate the coordinated subject to the question word “Who” – discuss how ‘but not’ means only the first, not the second NP (shown by the cross) has the feature of the adjective (also, because it is only one NP, we should use singular “is” not plural “are”)
- Take turns to produce sentences using ‘but not’ while the other one draws / colours in the sentence
- when accurate, remove templates, bring back to check responses
- ‘or’ (coordinated NPs )
Repeat steps 1-8 using ‘or’
- Subj NP e.g. The cow or the sheep is running.
- Obj NP e.g. You cook pasta or rice.
- Explain that when the phrase contains ‘or’ only one but either of the ideas is true.
- Use a forward slash (or other similar icon) to support this concept, e.g. :
Additional Resources

