Punctuation Pals: Discovering Dots, Curves, and Shouts!

English Language Arts Grades Pre-K 10:13 Video
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Lesson Description

An introductory lesson for Pre-K students on basic punctuation marks like periods, question marks, and exclamation points, using a fun video and interactive activities.

Video Resource

Punctuation for Kids | Learn all about the different punctuation marks and what they do

Learn Bright

Duration: 10:13
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Periods signal the end of a statement.
  • Question marks indicate a question.
  • Exclamation points show strong emotion.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify a period, question mark, and exclamation point.
  • Students will be able to associate each punctuation mark with its basic function (statement, question, emotion).
  • Students will be able to demonstrate comprehension through interactive exercises.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they've ever noticed the little marks at the end of sentences in books. Introduce the idea that these marks are called punctuation and they help us understand how to read and say the sentences.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the 'Punctuation for Kids' video from Learn Bright. Encourage students to watch attentively and listen for the different punctuation marks.
  • Punctuation Exploration (10 mins)
    After the video, show visual aids (large printed versions of a period, question mark, and exclamation point). Explain each one again in simple terms: 'This is a period. It's like saying something nice and calm.' 'This is a question mark. It's like asking something.' 'This is an exclamation point. It's like shouting something exciting!'
  • Interactive Activity: Punctuation Sort (8 mins)
    Prepare simple sentences on separate cards, each ending with either a period, question mark, or exclamation point (e.g., 'The dog barks.', 'Are you happy?', 'Wow, a balloon!'). Have students sort the cards into three piles based on the ending punctuation.
  • Wrap-up and Review (5 mins)
    Review the three punctuation marks one last time. Ask students to give examples of sentences that would use each mark. Praise their efforts and participation.

Interactive Exercises

  • Punctuation Sound Effects
    Read simple sentences aloud, and have the students make a sound effect that matches the punctuation. For example, a calm voice for a period, a questioning tone for a question mark, and a loud, excited voice for an exclamation point.
  • Punctuation Charades
    Act out scenarios that require different punctuation. (e.g. pretending to be sleepy and saying 'I am tired.' or pretending to ask 'where is my toy?' or pretending to find a surprise saying 'It's a puppy!')

Discussion Questions

  • What is your favorite thing to ask a question about?
  • What is something that makes you shout with excitement?

Skills Developed

  • Listening comprehension
  • Punctuation recognition
  • Association of punctuation with meaning

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which one is a period?

Correct Answer: .

Question 2:

Which one do we use when we ask something?

Correct Answer: ?

Question 3:

Which one shows we are very happy or loud?

Correct Answer: !

Question 4:

If I say 'My name is Alex.', what goes at the end?

Correct Answer: .

Question 5:

If I ask 'Where is my mom?', what goes at the end?

Correct Answer: ?

Question 6:

If I say 'Wow, it's a cookie!', what goes at the end?

Correct Answer: !

Question 7:

A dot at the end of a sentence is a...?

Correct Answer: period

Question 8:

The punctuation mark that looks like a hook is the...?

Correct Answer: question mark

Question 9:

Which punctuation mark shows excitement?

Correct Answer: exclamation point

Question 10:

We use a _____ when we are making a statement.

Correct Answer: period

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A _____ tells you to stop at the end of the sentence.

Correct Answer: period

Question 2:

We use a question _____ when we are asking something.

Correct Answer: mark

Question 3:

An exclamation point shows lots of _____!

Correct Answer: emotion

Question 4:

A _______ goes at the end of the sentence, 'I like pizza.'

Correct Answer: period

Question 5:

A ________ goes at the end of the sentence, 'Can we go outside?'

Correct Answer: question mark

Question 6:

A ________ goes at the end of the sentence, 'The puppy is so cute!'

Correct Answer: exclamation point

Question 7:

The _______ helps us know what kind of sentence it is.

Correct Answer: punctuation

Question 8:

If you are really excited you will end the sentence with a _______.

Correct Answer: exclamation point

Question 9:

If you're asking a question you'll end with a _______.

Correct Answer: question mark

Question 10:

Periods, question marks and exclamation points are all _______.

Correct Answer: punctuation

Educational Standards

PK.2.PC.5:Students will begin to recognize ending punctuation marks in print during shared reading or other text experiences. PK.3.R.2:Students will answer basic questions (e.g., who, what, where, and when) about texts, photographs, or illustrations during shared reading or other text experiences with prompting. PK.1.L.1:Students will actively listen using agreed-upon rules with prompting. PK.1.S.3:Students will ask and answer questions with prompting.

Teaching Materials

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