Here's another place to learn about sentence patterns:
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/sentencepatterns.html
This site offers games and activities for sentences:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/sentencebasics/whatisasentence/
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The conjunctions that are used to join the two independent clauses of a compound sentences are called coordinating conjunctions. This means that the two parts of the sentence are of equal value. Think of our picture (in the PowerPoint) of the two adults walking on the beach.
We can remember the coordinating conjunctions by remembering the phrase FAN BOYS:
F = for
A = and
N = nor
B = but
O = or
Y = nor
S = so
