LESSON: Comma Splices OBJECTIVES SWBAT: Identify when independent clauses are wrongly connected by a comma, and they

will be able to then correct these errors with a semi colon, forming two sentences, or using a coordinating conjunction to render the comma use correct. NUMBER OF DAYS: 1 MATERIALS: Handout with instructions and practice sentences, large semi colon, period, and comma to match up sentences. ACTIVITIES 1. Review (whole class) Will review the following objects with students (will already be on board): -Compound Sentence -Independent clauses -FANBOYS -Coordinating Conjunctions 2. Comma Splices (whole class) What is a comma splice? I will introduce to the class how a comma splice is formed many times when trying to correct run on sentences. Using the lesson from the day before (on FANBOYS and coordinating conjunctions) I will show how these are two sides of the same coin. While the previous sentences had issues with either no comma, these are inappropriate commas that would need a coordinating conjunction to be marked correct. -Examples will be on the board (e.g. The dog went to the bathroom; he went outside because he is well behaved. The dog went to the bathroom. He went outside because he is well behaved. The dog went to the bathroom, but he went outside because he is well behaved.)

3. Independent Practice There will be groups of three to four at each table Each group will receive cut outs of a period, semi colon, and comma There will be sentences cut down the middle; each will be numbered in coordination with if they belong together. Students will combine the sentences using the three punctuation marks they will have the knowledge of which to use based on the information we go over in class (as well as a review of the previous class with FANBOYS and coordinating conjunctions) Students will then be called on to share sentences, as well as justify the punctuation choice they use.

4. Closure Students participated in lesson combining sentences and appropriately used punctuation to separate independent clauses in compound sentences. ASSESSMENT Students will form sentences using the cut outs of punctuations and sen tences and then I will go around the class asking for the sentence groupings. From there, I will open the floor to any questions, concerns, or inconsistencies students found during the assignment. RATIONALE Comma splices are frequent mistakes made when students begin evolving to longer, compound sentences. Knowing how to properly use a semi-colon (or when to use a comma, or just split two independent clauses) can help students evolve their writing as a whole. Basic sentences slowly start growing and eventually students can create full blossoming paragraphs with appropriate punctuation. Comma splices (and how not to do them) are the final step in avoiding run on sentences when compiling longer pieces. STANDARDS

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2a Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.