Classroom Resource

How to Use Commas for Introductory Elements | No Nonsense Grammar

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

5, 6

Overview

Introductory elements are clauses, phrases, and words that appear before the main part of a sentence. Without commas, the reader may be confused. Use commas to indicate properly the who and the what. This resource includes a video, background reading, and a practice handout. The resource provides instruction and practice with punctuating nonrestrictive elements. 

English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 5

ELA21.5.40

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.5.40

Vocabulary

  • Demonstrate
  • Command
  • Conventions
  • Standard English capitalization
  • Standard English punctuation
  • Standard English spelling

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Standard English spelling conventions.
  • Punctuation marks and their appropriate usage.
  • Capitalization rules for standard English.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use correct capitalization in writing.
  • Use appropriate punctuation in writing.
  • Spell fifth-grade level words correctly.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • When writing, they must use punctuation correctly, capitalize appropriate words, and spell fifth-grade level words correctly.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 5

ELA21.5.40a

Use commas to separate items in a series, separate introductory elements from the rest of a sentence, set off tag questions, and indicate direct address.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.5.40a

Vocabulary

  • Commas
  • Series
  • Tag questions
  • Introductory elements
  • Direct address

Knowledge

  • Commas are used to separate groups of words.
  • Commas are used to separate introductory elements, which consist of phrases and words that appear before the main clause of the sentence.
  • A tag question is a question that is added at the end of a sentence; it consists of two basic elements: a verb and a pronoun.
  • A direct address means to direct a statement to a particular person, and a comma is used to separate the person's name from the rest of the sentence.

Skills

  • Write sentences that correctly use commas to separate words in a series, such as cat, dog, turtle, etc.
  • Write sentences that correctly use a comma to separate introductory elements from the rest of a sentence, such as In the nighttime, people have a harder time driving.
  • Write sentences with tag questions with correct comma usage, such as She didn't forget to call you, did she?
  • Write sentences with direct addresses that correctly use a comma, such as Jackie, are you leaving so soon?

Understanding

  • Commas are a common punctuation mark that are used for a variety of purposes.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 6

ELA21.6.16

Identify the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling in published texts.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.6.16

Vocabulary

  • Conventions
  • Standard English capitalization
  • Standard English punctuation
  • Standard English spelling

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Identify the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling in texts.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Published texts can provide examples of the appropriate use of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 6

ELA21.6.16a

Identify commas, parentheses, and dashes that are used to set off nonrestrictive or parenthetical elements in texts from various genres.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.6.16a

Vocabulary

  • Commas
  • Parentheses
  • Dashes
  • Nonrestrictive elements
  • Parenthetical elements
  • Genres

Knowledge

  • Commas, parentheses, and dashes are used to set off nonrestrictive or parenthetical elements in texts.
  • A nonrestrictive or parenthetical element is a part of a sentence that can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning.
  • There are multiple genres of text, including poetry, informational text, and narratives.

Skills

  • Identify punctuation marks that are used to set off nonrestrictive and parenthetical elements in texts from a variety of genres.

Understanding

  • Published texts can provide examples of the appropriate use of punctuation marks to set off nonrestrictive or parenthetical elements.
Link to Resource
https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/no-nonsense-grammar-commas-introduct…

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS
Accessibility
License

License Type

Custom

Custom License Type (URL)

https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/help/terms-of-use/#restrictions

Comments or Notes

Handouts and materials associated with this resource can be found to the right of the video under the heading, "Support Materials for Use with Students".

Approved Date

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