Emily Mullins

TE 407 Lab
Burke
11 September 2008

Commas and Semi-Colons

This mini-lesson will be a refresher course on the correct use of commas and semi-colons,

which is a part of grammar that happens to be a lost art, even for college English majors.

Audience: High School, 9th or 10th grade, lower or upper level English courses.

Why?: Although the use of commas and semi-colons may seems less important than other

aspects of grammar, students seem to neglect to use them, or rather, just put them in

wherever it sounds right in their head.

Introduction to Lesson: Begin by asking students to write what they think grammar is for

two minutes. Then ask a few students to share their ideas. Respond by saying that grammar

is not just important for us to use in class today, but for doing well in college, applying and

interviewing for jobs, and gaining respect in the workplace. Then ask them to share any

rules they may know about commas and semi-colons. [2-3 minutes]

Objective: Students will learn and apply the rules for commas and semi-colons.

The Lesson: I would begin a lesson with this activity. First, divide the class into groups and

pass out a worksheet with sentences that does not contain any punctuation. Have them

insert the correct punctuation where they think it should be placed. While they are

working, write the sentences on the chalk board. When they are finished, have the groups

come up and insert the punctuation where they think it should be placed in the sentences

on the board. (If time does not allow for the board, it can also be done aloud. However, a

visual representation for everyone is sometimes better.) [5 minutes]

During the Lesson: Ask how they decided on that certain place in the sentence. Was it

random or did they knew the rules previously? Always ask how they got to that conclusion,

other students will be able to compare their answers and this will force discussion. The

students will have their misconceptions corrected. [1 minute]

Next Part: Hand out the comma and semi-colon rule sheet and allow them to go back

through and make corrections. If possible, have them write the correct rule next to the

punctuation they inserted. [2 minutes]

Assignment: A second worksheet could be given for homework and would be done

individually for practice.