This Real Grammar KS2 resources pack provides everything that you need to learn how semi-colons can be used to punctuate independent clauses that are closely linked and of equal importance. Pupils will explore a variety of examples, learning when a semi-colon could be used. Teaching slides, worksheets, games and an opportunity to apply the new learning in a writing task are all included to explore the use of semi-colons with pupils in Year 6 or to revisit this area of learning.
The pupils need to be familiar with co-ordinating conjunctions before completing the activities in this resource pack. A Real Grammar resource is available in Year 3 to revisit
co-ordinating conjunctions if needed.
The resources include a model text which is a setting description of an Arctic scene. This could be used within a topic on biomes, with pupils writing different descriptions for the biome/s they are studying in geography.
What is a semi-colon?
A semi-colon is a punctuation mark that is introduced in Year 6. It can be used to mark the boundary between independent clauses and is also used to separate longer phrases in lists.
What is an independent clause?
An independent clause (also known as a main clause) is a clause that makes sense on its own as a sentence. Independent clauses can be joined using co-ordinating conjunctions, semi-colons, colons or dashes.
How are semi-colons used to mark independent clauses?
Semi-colons are used to join two independent clauses that are linked and of equal importance. They can often be used instead of a co-ordinating conjunction.
- He slammed the door. The whole house shook.
- He slammed the door and the whole house shook.
- He slammed the door; the whole house shook.
The writer can choose the way they do or do not join main clauses. It is often considered a stylistic choice.
What is included in this resource pack?
This pack is divided into five parts:
TEACH
This section includes PowerPoint teaching slides and teaching notes with an optional script to introduce semi-colons. It can also be used to revisit this aspect of grammar with pupils.
PRACTISE
An independent activity for pupils to practise using what they have been taught, allowing teachers to assess understanding.
REVISIT
A series of short, 10-minute activities that can be used following the TEACH session to revisit and rehearse what has been taught. These may be short writing tasks, grammar games or editing/proofreading activities.
APPLY
A short writing task where pupils can use the grammar skills taught in context to produce independent writing.
REVISE
Five SATs style test questions, including cloze activities and multiple choice quiz questions, based on the grammar that has been taught.
Teachers can choose which section of the resource pack to use according to their pupils’ needs and could use the activities over a series of lessons or weeks
Teacher notes are provided to show how these quality resources could be used with pupils.
How is this resource differentiated?
The PRACTISE and REVISE sections include three activities differentiated for three levels of ability:
- Worksheet 1 for pupils who may need support. Questions will have a lower cognitive domain (what is being asked of pupils) and/or vocabulary used may be simplified where possible.
- Worksheet 2 for pupils working at age related expectations.
- Worksheet 3 for pupils who may need an additional challenge and may be working at a greater depth in this area. Questions will have a higher cognitive domain with more challenging vocabulary.
SUPPORT and CHALLENGE ideas are also included in the teacher notes of each section where relevant, with ideas of how to support pupils working towards the expected standard or at greater depth in this area.
What pupil-facing resources are included?
- APPLY
Planning sheet, biome images, writing paper with story starter
- REVISE
PPT slides; Revise 1, Revise 2 and Revise 3 worksheets
Answer sheets for all worksheets are provided, where appropriate.