Lesson Plan

February 10, 2010

Topic: Most common mistake while writing: comma use

Purpose: the most common mistake that students make while writing involves commas. This is highly regarded on the ACT, so it is important to have a grasp on this aspect of grammar.

Goal: Minimize comma mistakes while writing

Lesson Structure:

1.  Introduction (2 minutes)

  1. Ask students what they have the most trouble with while writing…if they say grammar, ask which part of grammar they have the most trouble with (can use life example: I have the most trouble with commas)
  2. Let them know that the ACT identified three most common grammar mistakes among students and commas is number one (along with subject-verb agreement and pronoun use)

2.  Activating Prior Knowledge (5 minutes)

  1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e9Cf8Pllfk – Not knowing how to use a comma can be frustrating
  2. Show examples of what a comma mistake can cause…comma misplacement can change the meaning of an entire sentence
  3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CVyUTx-Id0&feature=related – What happens when you misuse a comma (this is why its important)
  4. Don’t, wait! à Don’t wait.
  5. I will not follow, my friends. à I will not follow my friends.
  6. This one, judge, is corrupt. à This one judge is corrupt.
  7. No, more freedom! à No more freedom.

3.  Rules of Commas (6 minutes)

  1. Use a comma to separate two independent clauses (sentences that express a complete thought) that are separating by a linking word…linking words include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS)
  2. My brother wanted the Steelers to win the Superbowl, but they lost.
  3. Use a comma when a dependent clause (not a complete sentence/thought…needs something else in order to become a full sentence) comes before an independent clause (complete sentence on its own)
  4. If you go to the store, I will go with you. (Does “If you go to the store” sound like a full sentence to you?” No, it needs something else. So if the sentence begins with the dependent clause, we need to put a comma after it
  5. Use a comma when you insert extra information in the middle of a sentence (adjective clause)
  6. Joe, a smart kid, passed the spelling test.
  7. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses
  8. My mom went to the grocery store and bought milk, bread, and cereal.
  9. Use commas to separate descriptions of two or more
  10. She was a cute, happy baby.
  11. Use a comma when writing a direct quote…place a comma before quote
  12. Mark said, “I want some candy.”
  13. If not a direct quote, don’t need comma: Mark said he wanted some candy.
  14. Use a comma when you are using a transition word (therefore, consequently, etc.)… place the comma after the transition word
  15. The catch phrase game broke; therefore, we didn’t play.

4.  Pair Work (3 minutes)

  1. Divide in pairs and do first half of handout in pairs (examples from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?)
  2. Have them share when done

5.  Individual Work (5 minutes)

  1. Have them try it on their own on the bottom half of the handout

6.  Wrap-Up (30 seconds)

  1. Tip: if you’re ever not sure, read the sentence out loud to yourself. If you pause at one point, a comma may be appropriate
  2. Pass it on to Ken

Total Time: 20-25 minutes