Grammar Unit: Capitalization. Grammar Mini Focus: Capitalize First Word in Sentences, as well as Sentences in Quotations. Sequence: 4 th of 8 Mini-Lessons.
Grammar Unit: Capitalization Grammar Mini Focus: Capitalize First Word in Sentences, as well as Sentences in Quotations Sequence: 4th of 8 Mini-Lessons Time Allotment: 10 minutes Special Materials Needed: (4) Enlarged version of sentences provided below, each on its own 81/2 X 11 sheet of paper State Standard(s) addressed: Grammar 1.5 (Punctuation and) Capitalization Rationale for teaching this mini lesson: Reinforce that words that begin a sentence must always be capitalized. Prior knowledge needed: Beginning level reading and writing, Connection to prior instruction: The use of capitalization must be intentional and purposeful. Teaching the Lesson: GRABBER: Four Corners: Ask students to go to the corner that displays the sentence that best represents how they feel about their grammar education. Post sentences in each of the 4 corners of the room. (The sentences will make sense but will break the capitalization rule for today.) (2 minutes) Sent. 1. grammar study is enjoyable. I don’t see how anyone would object to it. Sent. 2. bear-hugging a porcupine would be more enjoyable than studying grammar. Sent. 3. I agree with Sara when she says, “hmmm. I can take it or leave it!” Sent. 4. using good grammar just doesn’t matter in today’s world. I.
DIRECT INSTRUCTION: 1. Once students have arrived in corners, allow each to discuss his/her point of view with other members of his/her own group. 2. The group should agree on a new statement that explains why they landed in their group. 3. Each group should pick a speaker to share their statement out. Allow students to cross argue/debate, if you like. 4. Ask groups to find the specific error in the sentences (if they haven’t noticed it already) for their corner. Pose the question: Which capitalization rule does each printed sentence break? (5-7 minutes) 5. Try to wrap up the discussion in a positive and meaningful way that leave students open to the continued study of grammatical rules.
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Check for Understanding: Have students return to their seats to write the sentence (from their corner) correctly. (1 minute)
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NEXT STEP: Capitalize days, months, holidays, but not seasons.
Mini Lesson created by Susan Stivers, 8th Grade English Teacher at Lincoln Middle School, SMMUSD, 2008
Sentence 1: grammar study is enjoyable. I don’t see how anyone would object to it. Mini Lesson created by Susan Stivers, 8th Grade English Teacher at Lincoln Middle School, SMMUSD, 2008
Sentence 2: bear-hugging a porcupine would be more enjoyable than studying grammar. Mini Lesson created by Susan Stivers, 8th Grade English Teacher at Lincoln Middle School, SMMUSD, 2008
Sentence 3: I agree with Sara when she says, “hmmm. I can take it or leave it!” Mini Lesson created by Susan Stivers, 8th Grade English Teacher at Lincoln Middle School, SMMUSD, 2008
Sentence 4: using good grammar just doesn’t matter in today’s world. Mini Lesson created by Susan Stivers, 8th Grade English Teacher at Lincoln Middle School, SMMUSD, 2008
