Are you looking for ways to teach students to use punctuation? If so, keep reading.
1. Get the learner to practice using one form of punctuation at a time before going on to another (e.g., period, question mark, etc.).
2. Spotlight punctuation in passages from the learner’s reading task. Get the learner to explain why each form of punctuation is used.
3. Do not require the learner to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.
4. Utilize a newspaper to locate various types of punctuation. Get the learner to circle periods in red, commas in blue, etc.
5. Make the learner proofread all written work for correct punctuation. Praise the learner for each correction they make in punctuation.
6. Use appropriate punctuation through charts and overheads for learner reference during all creative writing learning activities .
7. Give practice with punctuation using a computer program or hand-held educational device that gives the learner instant feedback.
8. Give the learner the appropriate learning materials to finish the task (e.g., pencil with eraser, paper, dictionary, handwriting sample, etc.). Make sure that the learner has only the appropriate learning materials on the desk.
9. Create a notebook for punctuation rules to be used to help with proofreading work.
10. Acknowledge quality work (e.g., display learner’s work, congratulate the learner, etc.).
11. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the learner to hurry and make errors in punctuation.
12. Give the learner a list of examples of the forms of punctuation they are expected to use (e.g., periods, commas, question marks, exclamation points, etc.). The learner keeps the examples at their desk and refers to them when writing.
13. Teach the learner punctuation at each level before introducing a new skill level.
14. Praise the learner for using correct punctuation when writing: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, line leading, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
21. Consider using one of the apps on one of our best writing apps lists:
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 31 Grammar & Writing Apps, Tools & Resources
Ten Apps to Help Students Develop Writing Skills
10 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for Elementary School Students
11 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for High School Students
10 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for Middle School Students
