It is important for students to know that the semicolon does not function in the same way as the comma. The semicolon functions more like a period than a comma. Here are some free resources to help you learn and teach semicolons:
Commas, Colons, and Semicolons PowerPoint Lesson – This animated slideshow will teach students about the appropriate and necessary conditions for using punctuation. This lesson includes a practice activity after the lesson.
Commas, Colons, and Semicolons PowerPoint Lesson PPT
Commas or Semicolons Worksheet 01 – Determine whether the clauses need to be joined with commas or semicolons. Put the proper punctuation on the blank. Then write original sentences using semicolons.
Semicolons or Commas | RTF
Semicolons or Commas | PDF
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Semicolons or Commas | Ereading Worksheets – Online Test
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Commas or Semicolons Worksheet 02 – Do your students need practice with commas and semicolons? Help them achieve mastery with this awesome worksheet. Students read each sentence and determine whether a comma or semicolon would best complete it. Then, they explain their answers. What fun!
Commas or Semicolons Worksheet 02 | RTF
Commas or Semicolons Worksheet 02 | PDF
Commas or Semicolons Worksheet 02 | Preview
Commas or Semicolons Worksheet 02 | Ereading Worksheet – Online Reading Activity
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CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2 – Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.2 – Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2a – Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.2a – Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or more closely related independent clauses.