Punctuation Power: Mastering Periods, Question Marks, and Exclamation Points!

English Language Arts Grades 1st Grade 4:25 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn about the three main types of sentences and the punctuation marks that end them: periods, question marks, and exclamation points! This lesson will help you become a punctuation pro!

Video Resource

End Punctuation: Period, Question Mark, Exclamation Mark - Learn to Read for Kids!

Miacademy Learning Channel

Duration: 4:25
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Statement sentences end with a period.
  • Question sentences end with a question mark.
  • Exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation point.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify statement, question, and exclamatory sentences.
  • Students will be able to correctly use periods, question marks, and exclamation points in writing.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they know what punctuation is and why it is important. Explain that punctuation helps us understand what we read and write. Introduce the three punctuation marks they will learn about: periods, question marks, and exclamation points.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the Miacademy Learning Channel video: "End Punctuation: Period, Question Mark, Exclamation Mark - Learn to Read for Kids!" Instruct students to pay close attention to the examples of each sentence type and punctuation mark.
  • Statement Sentences & Periods (5 mins)
    Discuss statement sentences. Explain that they tell us something. Provide examples like "The sun is shining." and "I like to read." Emphasize that statement sentences end with a period (.)
  • Question Sentences & Question Marks (5 mins)
    Discuss question sentences. Explain that they ask us something. Provide examples like "What is your name?" and "Where is the park?" Emphasize that question sentences end with a question mark (?) Discuss common question words like who, what, where, when, why, and how.
  • Exclamatory Sentences & Exclamation Points (5 mins)
    Discuss exclamatory sentences. Explain that they show excitement or strong feeling. Provide examples like "Wow, that's amazing!" and "I won the game!" Emphasize that exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation point (!)
  • Practice Activity (10 mins)
    Complete the interactive exercise where students identify the correct punctuation mark for various sentences.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the three types of sentences and their corresponding punctuation marks. Ask students to create their own examples of each type of sentence.

Interactive Exercises

  • Punctuation Sort
    Write several sentences on the board or on index cards, leaving off the end punctuation. Have students sort the sentences into three categories: Statement (period), Question (question mark), and Exclamatory (exclamation point). Then, have them add the correct punctuation mark to each sentence.
  • Sentence Creation
    Ask each student to write one statement sentence, one question sentence, and one exclamatory sentence. Have them share their sentences with the class, ensuring they use the correct punctuation.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is punctuation important in writing?
  • Can you give an example of a statement sentence?
  • What are some words that often start question sentences?
  • When would you use an exclamation point in your writing?

Skills Developed

  • Sentence recognition
  • Punctuation usage
  • Writing skills
  • Critical thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which punctuation mark goes at the end of a statement?

Correct Answer: Period

Question 2:

Which punctuation mark do you use when you are asking something?

Correct Answer: Question Mark

Question 3:

Which punctuation mark shows excitement?

Correct Answer: Exclamation Point

Question 4:

Which of these is a statement sentence?

Correct Answer: I like to play outside.

Question 5:

Which of these is a question sentence?

Correct Answer: What is your favorite color?

Question 6:

Which of these is an exclamatory sentence?

Correct Answer: That's amazing!

Question 7:

What kind of sentence is 'I am going to school today.'?

Correct Answer: Statement

Question 8:

What kind of sentence is 'Are you ready?'?

Correct Answer: Question

Question 9:

What kind of sentence is 'Hooray, we won!'?

Correct Answer: Exclamatory

Question 10:

Which punctuation mark goes at the end of the sentence 'I like ice cream'?

Correct Answer: Period

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A __________ goes at the end of a statement sentence.

Correct Answer: period

Question 2:

A __________ goes at the end of a question sentence.

Correct Answer: question mark

Question 3:

An __________ goes at the end of an exclamatory sentence.

Correct Answer: exclamation point

Question 4:

"I am happy" is a ___________ sentence.

Correct Answer: statement

Question 5:

"Where are you going?" is a ___________ sentence.

Correct Answer: question

Question 6:

"Wow, that is cool!" is an ___________ sentence.

Correct Answer: exclamatory

Question 7:

We use a __________ to show that we are asking a question.

Correct Answer: question mark

Question 8:

We use a __________ to show strong feelings.

Correct Answer: exclamation point

Question 9:

The sentence 'The sky is blue' ends with a __________.

Correct Answer: period

Question 10:

Sentences start with a capital __________.

Correct Answer: letter

Educational Standards

1.2.PC.1:Students will recognize the distinguishing features of a sentence (e.g., capitalization of the first word, ending punctuation: period, exclamation point, question mark). 1.5.W.4:Students will use periods, question marks, and exclamation points. 1.5.R.1:Students will recognize simple sentences.

Teaching Materials

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