Punctuation Practice

Gramer, K-8

Step 1. Compose groups of words or sentences that are equally open to different punctuation possibilities. Write an example for the class, leaving out all punctuation. You could use a simple sentence such as “No animals please” or more complex ones.

Step 2. Ask a classmate to add punctuation in a contrasting marker color. Read it aloud and discuss the meaning. How else could the sentence be punctuated to change its meaning and the expression with which it is read? For example, what are the differences among “No animals, please,” “No animals please!”, “No animals please,” “No! Animals please” and “No, animals please”?

*Punctuation marks may be small, but they are powerful! Sharpen your students knowledge of sentence structure, grammar, expression, and meaning… By using the response paddles on a regular basis you will start to see results sooner and make it through lessons faster!