Commas and Semicolons

This scene transports students to the Dragonville Library where they will find Eric the Exclamation dragon has gotten overexcited and burnt some of the pages of his book. Students will be introduced to Sabrina the Semicolon Dragon and Christian the Comma Dragon who will task them with mending the burnt pages by connecting the clauses with either a semicolon or a comma.

# Objectives:

1: Understand what a comma does.{.info}

2: Understand what a semicolon does.{.info}

3: Use a semicolon to link two clauses.{.info}

# What is a Clause?{.objective .objective1}

Students are given some examples of independent and dependent clauses to support their understanding of using semicolons and commas.

They are tasked with retrieving the movable burnt pages and connecting the clauses to make sentences. They should determine whether they contain two independent clauses or a dependent clause.

# Using commas to separate clauses{.objective .objective2}

Building on students’ existing knowledge of commas, this section includes examples of commas usage to separate clauses.

Direct your students to the empty bookshelves marked by Sabrina and Christian’s characters. On each bookshelf will be a comma or a semicolon. Students should identify the clauses that require a comma and move these to the empty bookshelf, placing them either side of the comma.

# Using semicolons correctly{.objective .objective3}

Semicolons are defined as being stronger than a comma, but not as final as a full stop/period. They can be used to separate independent clauses, link two related or contrasting ideas, replace a coordinating conjunction and separate complex lists.

Direct your students to the empty bookshelves marked by Sabrina and Christian’s characters. On each bookshelf will be a comma or a semicolon. Students should identify the clauses that require a semicolon and move these to the empty bookshelf, placing them either side of the semicolon.

# Scene Answers:

1. In a kingdom far away, there lived a valiant knight called Alan.

2. Alan was known throughout the kingdom for his courage and bravery; he had defended the realm from numerous perils.

3. News reached the kingdom of a formidable threat; a fearsome dragon was making its way to the land.

4. Alan summoned his horse and donned his armour; he was ready to defend the good people of the realm.

5. The ferocious dragon launched itself at Alan with incredible force, knocking him clean off his loyal steed.

6. Alan stood his ground and brandished his sword at the dragon, “You will not pass through this kingdom!” he shouted.

7. The dragon didn’t like being told off, it lowered its head, turned tail and ran.

8. Once again, Alan had defended the realm!

## Download Teacher Note Document

[](https://avnfs.com/kF98EA0jGtx4_vf4gnY8CasR9a5L2wk0dnK2LV_eV7E?size=1424283&type=application%2Fpdf&name=Commas+and+Semicolons+%E2%80%93+The+Drgonville+Library+Teacher+Notes+1.pdf)

## Download Student Worksheet Answers

[](https://avnfs.com/ecJmmGma0DZjGWvLqlupvyPdNkzdqr7okKevhZJPvyU?size=5697826&type=application%2Fpdf&name=Commas+and+Semicolons+%E2%80%93+The+Drgonville+Library+Teacher+Notes+3.pdf)

[](https://avnfs.com/seXjwIT4EWyRN-F4VJI8PaL6ySP8iDFvx1Aa40YkLpI?size=902209&type=application%2Fpdf&name=Commas+and+Semicolons+%E2%80%93+The+Drgonville+Library+Teacher+Notes+2.pdf)

## Download Student Worksheet

[](https://avnfs.com/sIcQlo386dHTMfx3D-D30Ur52Ekl_JWOHN7fm2dy_7E?size=79641&type=application%2Fpdf&name=Commas+and+Semicolons+%E2%80%93+The+Drgonville+Library+Teacher+Notes+4.pdf)