by Melissa Schlegel
Commas and semi-colons are essential tools for writing efficiently. When used properly, commas and semi-colons help writing flow smoothly and appear more professional. Without these two punctuation marks, sentences often turn into run-on sentences and/or become difficult to read. Using accurate punctuation ensures that the reader will comprehend the correct message the author is trying to convey. Writing well, with correct punctuation, is a necessary skill not only for high school but throughout college and the workforce.
This lesson was taught to three eleventh grade English Regents classes. The Common Core asserts that this skill is one that should be taught in ninth and tenth grade classes, but I found that this knowledge was severely lacking in my eleventh graders’ writing. While reading their essays, I discovered a deficiency in correct usage of semi-colons and commas and decided that although this is considered a lesson for younger students, it was necessary to teach this to my classes.
This lesson is a brief grammar lesson taught in one 40 minute class period. This lesson was taught in between unit plans and was enacted due to a significant lack in knowledge of the uses of semi-colons and commas. The lesson began with a Diagnostic Test which the students later corrected on the board. This was followed by a definition written in the students’ notes, a large group activity, and a worksheet which was similar to the diagnostic test. The formal assessment was formatted like a Question 26 from the eleventh grade New York State English Regents Exam. It was turned in using Turnitin.com and was graded using rubric.