3 Punctuation Games for Children

and After School Linky

Teaching about periods and exclamation marks are big right now in our first grade class as we learn how to write a good sentence. While many of my students understand these concepts already, many don’t so we have been playing some games to reinforce and to teach how and when to use these two forms of punctuation.

Game #1: Period/Exclamation Mark Hold Up

Print and cut out the templates for the game.  Gather the class together in a circle and distribute one of each card to each student. Tell them you are going to say a sentence and they are going to have to hold up either the ! card or the . card depending on how the sentence is read. For example, if I said, “I like ice cream!” the students would hold up the ! card. If I said, “I have an appointment.” they would hold up the . card.  Exaggeration works really well with this game!

Game #2: How Will I Say It?

Gather the group in a circle.  Put the prepared cards in a pile face down in the center of the circle.  Have the first player pick a card, read it silently then role the die.  Depending how the die lands, the player reads the card aloud to the group using the proper inflection.  This game can also be played in small groups or even individually once students understand how to play.

 

Game #3: Pick a Sentence/End a Sentence

Prepare the templates and place one complete set of cards in a baggie for each group. Break the students into groups of 2-3.  Place the colored cards face down in piles according to color.  The first player picks one card of each color then arranges the words into a sentence. He then decides if the sentence should end with a . or an ! and reads the sentence aloud to his partner with the proper inflection.  If you like, then have students choose their favorite sentence they created, write it on a piece of paper and illustrate it.

What is your favorite way to teach punctuation?

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These activities can be found at the following link:

Punctuation Games from Boy Mama Teacher Mama

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Book List: 

Here are a few great read alouds for teaching about punctuation.

Exclamation! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Punctuation Takes a Vacation by Robin Pulver

Yo! Yes? Chris Raschka

Ring! Yo! Chris Raschka

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AFTER SCHOOL LINK UP

The After School Link Up is a great place to share ideas and to find new ideas to do with your children after school or in your homeschool.  The After School Link Up goes live every Monday. So, if you are a blogger, an educator or just someone looking for some good ideas, be sure to stop by Boy Mama Teacher Mama (or the other co-hosts) on Mondays and see what others have to share.

I had fun visiting the posts from last weeks linky party. There are so many wonderful ideas out there!

Here are a few of my favorites….

Countdown to Kindergarten Activities from J Daniel4’s Mom

My son has not yet learned how to tie his shoes, just like the little girl in the story, Countdown to Kindergarten so this post hit home! I love the ideas shared for mixing shoe tying and math!

Pumpkin Patch Candy Math Game from Toddler Approved

(and Pumpkin Candy Name Game)

This looks fantastic and is now on my list to do with my youngest. I think I will also be passing it along to his Pre-Kindergarten teacher!

And now the linky…

What do you have to share?

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We would love to have you link up your School-Age Post (Ages 5 and up) about your learning week after school including Crafts, Activities, Playtime and Adventures that you are doing to enrich your children’s lives after their day at school, homeschool or on the weekend! When linking up, please take a moment to comment on at least one post linked up before yours and grab our after school button to include a link on your post or site! By linking up you’re giving permission for us to share on our After School Pinterest Board or Feature on our After School Party in the upcoming weeks!

2013 After School Party HOSTS

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