A short passage helps children see how an end mark changes the way a sentence reads. Read the surrounding sentences before choosing a mark, then reread the whole passage.
At a glance
Look at what the sentence does, choose a mark, and read it back in context.
1. Compare three sentences
Read a statement, a question, and a strong exclamation. Show the end mark for each.
2. Read the passage first
Ask what is happening. Give children time to understand a line before choosing punctuation.
3. Decide what the sentence does
Ask whether the line tells, asks, or exclaims. Use the reference page if children need a reminder.
4. Reread with the chosen mark
Listen to how the mark fits the meaning. Compare two versions if more than one mark seems possible.
5. Check one new example
Try another line without a model. Ask children to explain the mark they chose.
A classroom example
In a fictional second-grade group, Beau puts an exclamation point after a question because it sounds excited. His teacher asks what the speaker wants to know. Beau changes the mark and rereads it as a question.
Companion printable
The 42-page PDF has 14 original passages in two formats, seven review pages, a punctuation reference, and answer keys.
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