Punctuation Learning Games
Punctuation is an important part of grammar to master. Students benefit from understanding its use and structure. In order to make learning enjoyable, a number of methods can turn learning punctuation into fun games.
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Punctuation Relay
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Punctuation relay is an active game that will keep kids moving around the room. It also helps students practice using punctuation. The class is divided into two or three teams. Each team receives large chart paper or a poster with a number of sentences on it. Five to six sentences is a good number. The teams also receive a bag full of punctuation marks. When the teacher says to begin, the students have to select punctuation marks from the bag. Each mark then needs to be placed throughout the sentences. The team that is able to place correctly all of their punctuation marks first wins the game. The points can be awarded by sentence or by total completion. Teachers might also want to use full paragraphs. In this case, the winning team will have used all of their punctuation marks throughout the paragraph to be considered the winner. In order to win, the punctuation marks cannot just be placed the fastest. They have to also be placed in their correct positions. Once a winner has been determined, the class can play as many rounds as desired with a new set of sentences or paragraphs.
Punctuation Trivia
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Different sentences require different types of punctuation. It's important for students to know which are needed. A good way to practice this skill is to play a trivia game with students. Students can play as individuals or be divided into two teams. Each player hears a sentence without knowing what the punctuation needs to be. Players have one guess to decide what it needs to be. For example, an interrogative sentence would always need a question mark. The teams (or individuals) would complete until one team or person collects the most points.
Punctuation Word Sort
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Sorting games provide review in the classroom. Students receive envelopes full of sentence parts and punctuation cards. The object of the game is to see if students are able to match the punctuation with the sentence parts. The game can be judged on speed or the number of correct matches. Students will find that they can interchange their sentences and make new ones that require different punctuation. This gives them a chance to think critically and review at the same time.
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