Mini Lesson Topic: 6 Main Types of Comma Usage

Wednesday, September 23rd:

Materials:

Comma Rule sheets

Connection:

While conferencing during office hours over drafts of your persuasive essay, I noticed that many of you are having difficulty knowing when to use a comma.

Explicit Instruction:

Today, we will discuss the 6 main types of comma usage. What rules do we know for commas?

Guided Practice:

Students will get into groups of two. One will receive a sheet of comma rules #1-3 and the other comma rules #4-6. Using the examples given, students will attempt to write out each rule. Once they have both finished, they will discuss the rules they put together with their partner.

After this, we will come together as a larger group to list out the 5 main types of commas on the white sheet of paper.

Independent Practice:

Students will then take out a sheet of paper and write one example of each of the six main types of commas. This will be their ticket out the door.

Group Wrap Up:

Questioning—Did any of these rules surprise you? How will you incorporate these rules into your writing?