This Real Grammar KS2 resources pack provides everything that you need to learn how mark boundaries between independent clauses using semi-colons, colons or dashes. Pupils will explore a variety of examples, learning when each punctuation mark 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 these punctuation marks with pupils in Year 6 or to revisit this area of learning.
A Real Grammar resource pack is available to explore punctuating independent clauses using semi-colons and another using colons. A further resource pack is available on using colons and semi-colons 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.
How are colons used to mark independent clauses?
Colons are used to join two independent clauses when the second clause is an explanation, expands upon or offers an example linked to the first.
- Wilf goes to several clubs after school: he attends chess, cricket, gymnastics and cooking clubs.
- Children should have a healthy, balanced diet: fruits, vegetables and wholegrain foods should be included daily.
- Crocodiles are dangerous animals: several people are killed or injured by them every year.
How are dashes used to mark independent clauses?
Dashes are used to join two independent clauses that are linked and can be used instead of a semi-colon. These are more commonly used when writing in an informal style and should be avoided in formal writing.
- He slammed the door. The whole house shook.
- He slammed the door - the whole house shook.
- Sammy was late. This was not unusual.
- Sammy was late – this was not unusual.
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 marking the boundaries between independent clauses with colons, semi-colons and dahses. 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?
- TEACH
PPT slides; model text ‘Chocolate-coated broccoli is delicious!’
- PRACTISE
Practise 1, Practise 2 and Practise 3 worksheets
- REVISIT
Game 1, game 2
- APPLY
Planning sheet, images sheet
- REVISE
PPT slides; Revise 1, Revise 2 and Revise 3 worksheets
Answer sheets for all worksheets are provided, where appropriate.