#6 Conventions: Punctuation Takes a Vacation by Robin Pulver

Lesson Focus: Conventions 

Focus Grade Level: Second Grade

Time Frame: 40 min. 

Focus Text/Author: Punctuation Takes a Vacation by Robin Pulver

Other Materials: poster paper, markers, dry erase board, dry erase marker

Ohio Academic Content Standards Lesson Focus:

Standard: Writing Conventions

K-2 Benchmark: C. Use conventions of punctuation and capitalization in written work.

2nd Grade Level Indicators: 1. Print legibly, and space letters, words and sentences appropriately. 3. Spell regularly used and high-frequency words correctly. 4. Spell words studied (e.g., word lists, text words) correctly. 8. Use periods, question marks and exclamation points as endpoints correctly. 11. Use correct capitalization (e.g., proper nouns, the firstword in a sentence, months and days).

Book Summary: Punctuation Takes a Vacation is about a class who doesn’t appreciate punctuation. The punctuation feels like it is not appreciated and decides to leave the classroom. The students soon miss the punctuation and realize how important it really is. 

About the Author: Robin Pulver started out writing stories about nature on topics such as bagworms and butterflies for magazines like Highlights and Cricket. Later, she began writing stories that are entertaining to students because she had children of her own that inspired ideas. Some of her more popular books include Mrs. Toggle’s Zipper and Thank You Miss Doover. 

Lesson Steps:

1.       Have the students sit at their seats for this lesson. Get out the 6 traits poster on conventions and discuss with them the types of things they do in their writing such as periods, spacing, etc.

2.       After discussing this tell them you are going to read a story about punctuation. Read Punctuation Takes a Vacation by Robin Pulver.

3.       After reading the book discuss with the students how the children acted in the book and why punctuation left. Also discuss with them how the students felt when it was gone and why they needed it so badly. Record on the white board some of the responses to what the children missed and why it is important in writing.

4.       Tell the students they are going to make a poster to hang around the room that reminds them of things to do in their own writing. They will need at least 5 or 6 ideas. These could include things like having correct spaces; using periods, question marks and exclamation points appropriately; capitalizing letters at the beginning; spelling word wall and spelling words correctly, etc. They also need to include an example of the correct way to apply the rule next to each of their rules on the poster.

5.       Divide the students by abilities with about 3-4 in each group. Pass out the poster paper and markers for them to complete the task.

6.       At the end of the lesson the students will share what is important to include in writing for conventions and share their examples of what it looks like in writing. Hang these around the room for display and references.