Tips & Tricks for Teachers: Teaching Commas in a Series

Teaching commas in a series can be a bit tough for primary learners.  Sometimes, they don't understand where the commas are supposed to go.  We hit this skill several times over the course of a year.

I was trying to think outside of the box, and I did the following activity with my kids that was fun...and pretty successful too! :)

I like to 'bring the drama' when it comes these type of high engagement activities! :)  I gave each student a word for the sentence and asked them not to show it to anyone.

I have a student from the audience read the sentence to the whole class.

I have the student with the 'and' hold it up to 'clue' the others into where the commas should go.

I have pieces of shower board that I used for this activity.  This way, I could wipe off the words and do another sentence with other students right away.  You can buy showerboard at Lowe's or Home Depot, and have them cut it for you! :)

It wasn't too terribly expensive and it lasts for a long time. 

I hope you enjoyed my tip and trick for this week! :)

Thanks so much Becca for this fun linky! Click on her button to be directed to her blog for more 'Tips and Tricks'!