Activities to Teach Students to Use Commas With Introductory Words and Phrases
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Grammar is an important part of the English language, and mastering comma usage is a critical aspect of achieving good grammar skills. One of the most notable types of grammar that students need to understand is how to use commas with introductory words and phrases. Commas help to break down the sentence into digestible parts, making it easier for readers to understand the meaning behind the words read.
However, comma usage with introductory words and phrases can be challenging for students to comprehend. Teachers need to be creative and intentional in using different techniques to help students understand this specific grammar concept. In this article, we will share some valuable activities that you can use to teach students how to correctly use commas with introductory words and phrases.
1. Introductory Phrases Identification
Identifying introductory phrases is the first step in understanding how introductory phrases should be punctuated using commas. Create several short passages that contain introductory phrases, and ask students to identify the introductory phrase and place the comma appropriately. This exercise is best done in pairs or small groups to encourage discussion, critical thinking, and review of why a comma is necessary.
2. Fun with Punctuation Marks
This activity is a fun and exciting way to teach comma usage with introductory words and phrases, and it involves using pictures or drawings of punctuation marks. Students are given a set of cards with punctuation marks, including commas, periods, exclamation, and question marks. Ask students to sort the cards into groups based on punctuation marks appropriate for different kinds of sentences. Then, have them create sentences with introductory words or phrases and use the appropriate punctuation marks.
3. Peer Review
Peer review exercises are great for practicing comma usage with introductory phrases. Assign a short text that has multiple introductory phrases, and ask students to identify introductory phrases and put commas where necessary. After the completion of the first task, students can swap papers in class and use a different color pen to review their partner’s work. They can identify each other’s mistakes as well as areas where they did well.
4. Acting Out
Using role-playing exercises is a sure way of making lessons more engaging and interactive. In this activity, the teacher can select several short paragraphs from different texts that contain introductory phrases. The teacher reads the paragraph while the students act out the sentences using physical movements. The students should pause and use a comma in place of the action to indicate where they think the introductory phrase should be and where a comma should be used. This activity is not only engaging and fun but also an effective way to reinforce students’ understanding of where to add commas in sentences.
5. Quiz Bowl
Quiz Bowl can be a challenging game for students to compete in teams to answer questions related to identifying where commas should be placed in introductory phrases. The teacher can create multiple choice questions based on the lessons taught previously. Students can also take turns to pose questions to their classmates for an additional challenge.
In Conclusion
Comma usage with introductory words and phrases requires practice, effort, and effective teaching methodologies to master. Teachers can use various activities to reinforce the concept, which provides students the opportunity to engage, practice and improve their grammar skills. The above activities are a sure way to inspire students to learn and master the application of these punctuation marks in their writing.