HELP with Conventions

[Barb]

I am attempting to build a review unit for my incoming third graders on basic punctuation. I will beusing the books listed in Writingfix.com, I own them all, but I feel as if I need more. I have looked on line but have not found anything that I feel is useful. Does anyone out there have a quick reveiw and possible informal assessment on punctuation? I have an activboard if someone has a unit built for it. Thanks Barb

[Stacey Levy]

I have just discovered two great books for grammar/punctuation: Hot Fudge Monday, by Randy Larson and Caught'ya, by Jane Bell Kiester. My entire grade level will be using these books this Fall :) Hope this helps.

[Barb]

Thank you Stacey. Are these two books teacher helpers or literature? How do you use them in your classroom as mini lessons or a mentor text? Thanks for any help. Barb

Stacey Levy said:

I have just discovered two great books for grammar/punctuation: Hot Fudge Monday, by Randy Larson and Caught'ya, by Jane Bell Kiester. My entire grade level will be using these books this Fall :) Hope this helps.

[Pat Kramer]

I just bought Mastering the Mechanics by Linda Hoyt. I saw the 4-5 grade edition at Barnes and Noble and it looked good. I came home and found a 2-3 grade edition from an Amazon reseller for $5.25 plus shipping. Much lower than at B&N. I know that conventions are best taught through real writing but this book had some interesting activities in it. It will also be a great resource to enhance our grammar workbook.
Pat Kramer

[Barb]

Thank you, I will look into it. Sounds like the perfect thing. Barb

Pat Kramer said:

I just bought Mastering the Mechanics by Linda Hoyt. I saw the 4-5 grade edition at Barnes and Noble and it looked good. I came home and found a 2-3 grade edition from an Amazon reseller for $5.25 plus shipping. Much lower than at B&N. I know that conventions are best taught through real writing but this book had some interesting activities in it. It will also be a great resource to enhance our grammar workbook.
Pat Kramer

[susan soroka]

Hi Barb,

I am a new member! I taught 6th grade for 21 years, and know the need to teach students acceptable use of conventions. Seems like you have a great assortments of books that you can use for calling attention to punctuation. In terms of a quick review and informal assessments: What do your state standards expect for student knowledge and application of punctuation after completing grade 3? From your teaching experience, what are the kinds of punctuation needs you notice for many of your kids? These may actually differ from your state standards-as kids often naturally try out more sophisticated kinds of punctuation.

You've got the books... now, I suggest bringing in small pieces of your writing with punctuation (that you want to emphasize) omitted. If you have a SmartBoard, or overhead projector helpful to project where students can visually see. Students understand the need for correct punctuation-helps guide the reader through the writing. After reading the piece aloud without regard for punctuation, you and your students work through adding what is needed. Important not to overwhelm with too much, but enough for students to begin to feel successful. Am hopeful this was helpful.

[Barb]

Makes perfect sense. Third grade punctuation required includes ending punctuation, quotes used for voice/dialogue, commas in all three uses, underlining or using italics for proper book names,ect. I currently use a daily correction on the activboard and my students are able to tell me why they changed something, basically the rule used and why successfully. When it comes to independent writing and self editing- WOW- they do not demonstrate any generalization of the same rules. We also work on paragraph writing, indenting, appropriate letter dialogue and oh so much more. Langauge disecting is explored daily along with daily punctuation skills. My frustration is in independent writing. Thanks for the help. I will explore your ideas. Barb

susan soroka said:

Hi Barb,

I am a new member! I taught 6th grade for 21 years, and know the need to teach students acceptable use of conventions. Seems like you have a great assortments of books that you can use for calling attention to punctuation. In terms of a quick review and informal assessments: What do your state standards expect for student knowledge and application of punctuation after completing grade 3? From your teaching experience, what are the kinds of punctuation needs you notice for many of your kids? These may actually differ from your state standards-as kids often naturally try out more sophisticated kinds of punctuation.

You've got the books... now, I suggest bringing in small pieces of your writing with punctuation (that you want to emphasize) omitted. If you have a SmartBoard, or overhead projector helpful to project where students can visually see. Students understand the need for correct punctuation-helps guide the reader through the writing. After reading the piece aloud without regard for punctuation, you and your students work through adding what is needed. Important not to overwhelm with too much, but enough for students to begin to feel successful. Am hopeful this was helpful.

[Barry Lane]

The Giggly Guide to Grammar by cathy Campbell (Teachers Guide) is a fantastic resource.

Cathy make these funny sentences that make the grammar points stick in your mind.

[Barb]

Thank you. I will check it out. Barb

Barry Lane said:

The Giggly Guide to Grammar by cathy Campbell (Teachers Guide) is a fantastic resource.

Cathy make these funny sentences that make the grammar points stick in your mind.