Commas, Commas, Commas! Created by Mrs. Hale Commas in a series, commas with direct addresses, and commas with conjunctions

Practicing how to add commas when you are listing items in a series Commas in a Series Practicing how to add commas when you are listing items in a series

Fix the following sentences… 1. The recipe called for one egg a cup of milk and a teaspoon of cinnamon.

HINT: ADD TWO COMMAS TO THIS SENTENCE 2. Grandma sent me a card a pair of new shoes and a new soccer ball for my birthday.

3. We had hamburgers hot dogs and French fries for lunch today.

Discuss with your table how to fix this sentence. I want to travel all over the world and go to Europe Egypt china and Africa.

Which sentence is correct? Students are always in need of, pencils, crayons, erasers paper and, glue. Students are always in need of pencils, crayons, erasers, paper, and glue.

4. Come up with your own sentence that lists at least three items in a series.

Commas with a Direct Address Practicing using a comma when you are saying someone’s name (talking to someone directly). The name could be at the beginning of the sentence, in the middle, or at the end.

A comma before Jane because her name is at the end of the sentence. Here is an example: I don’t know about you, Jane, but I want to go shopping this afternoon! A comma goes before & after Jane because her name is in the middle of the sentence. Jane, I want to go shopping this afternoon! A comma after Jane because her name is at the beginning of the sentence. I want to go shopping this afternoon, Jane! A comma before Jane because her name is at the end of the sentence.

5. Ms. Brummer you can’t take away our recess!

6. If you want to learn more about polar bears students then go check out our folder in the library! Fix this sentence!

Where does the comma go? Discuss with your group. You need to get to a voice level zero fifth graders!

Create two sentences that have direct addresses in them Create two sentences that have direct addresses in them. Write them down on your paper. 7. 8.

Turn to someone at your table and tell them something using their name in the sentence as a direct address.

There’s no way I can go with Mom to the store today. Is this a direct address? Why or why not?

Commas with Conjunctions Practicing using a comma in a sentence in coordination with a conjunction

When do I use a comma with a conjunction? When everything to the left of the comma is a complete thought and everything to the right of the conjunction is a complete thought…you need a comma!

For example: Sally is traveling to Paris and Rome. The Conjunction is highlighted. Look to the left: “Sally is traveling to Paris” is a complete thought! Look to the right: “Rome” is not a complete thought. MY CONCLUSION: THIS SENTENCE DOES NOT NEED A COMMA. Sally is traveling to Paris, and she is also going to visit Rome. The Conjunction is highlighted. Look to the left: “Sally is traveling to Paris” is a complete thought! Look to the right: “she is also going to visit Rome” is also a complete thought. MY CONCLUSION: THIS SENTENCE NEEDS A COMMA BEFORE THE CONJUNCTION.

What are some common conjunctions? AND OR BUT

Does this sentence need a comma? Are you going to eat pizza inside or do you want to sit on the patio?

Does this sentence need a comma? Do you want potato soup or taco soup for supper?