How to Use Commas for Introductory Elements | No Nonsense Grammar

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

Custom
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