Lesson Plan
Pause with Purpose Lesson Plan
Students will learn and apply four key comma rules—lists, introductory elements, clauses, and direct address—to improve clarity in real-world writing contexts.
Correct comma use prevents miscommunication, strengthens writing style, and builds students’ confidence in crafting clear emails, essays, and narratives.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Mini-lesson, guided practice, independent application
Materials
Comma Usage Slide Deck, Comma Rules Reference Guide, Practice Comma Application Worksheet, Whiteboard and markers, Timer or stopwatch, and Student notebooks or devices
Prep
Review and Print Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Practice Comma Application Worksheet.
- Review slides in the Comma Usage Slide Deck to ensure smooth transitions.
- Familiarize yourself with examples in the Comma Rules Reference Guide.
- Prepare the whiteboard with two example sentences (with/without commas) for the hook.
Step 1
Hook & Learning Objective
5 minutes
- Pose the question: “What changes when commas are added or omitted?”
- Display two version of a sentence on the board using the Comma Usage Slide Deck.
- Elicit quick student reactions on clarity differences.
- Reveal the lesson objective and connect to real-world writing needs.
Step 2
Mini-Lesson on Comma Rules
10 minutes
- Use the Comma Usage Slide Deck to present four core comma rules:
- Items in a series
- Introductory words or phrases
- Independent clauses with conjunctions
- Direct address
- Write one example per rule on the whiteboard.
- Reference the detailed explanations in the Comma Rules Reference Guide.
Step 3
Guided Practice
8 minutes
- Distribute the Practice Comma Application Worksheet.
- Complete the first three sentences together: ask students where commas belong and why.
- Invite volunteers to place commas on the board and justify their choices.
- Use the timer to keep discussions focused (2 minutes per sentence).
Step 4
Independent Application
5 minutes
- Students work individually to insert commas in the remaining worksheet sentences.
- Circulate through the room to provide on-the-spot feedback and clarification.
- Encourage students to consult the Comma Rules Reference Guide as needed.
Step 5
Share & Reflect
2 minutes
- Ask three students to read one of their corrected sentences aloud.
- Facilitate a brief discussion: “How did adding commas improve clarity?”
- Exit ticket: On a sticky note or in their notebook, students write the comma rule they find most challenging and one question they still have.
Slide Deck
Pause with Purpose: Mastering Comma Usage
A quick 30-minute lesson on four essential comma rules to make your emails, essays, and stories clear and compelling.
Welcome students. Introduce the title and connect to the day’s goal: stronger writing through correct commas. Mention we’ll focus on four key rules and real-world applications.
What Changes with a Comma?
Without comma: “Let’s eat grandma.”
With comma: “Let’s eat, Grandma.”
Display these two sentences. Ask: “Which version feels clearer? Why?” Elicit 2-3 responses, then highlight the power of one small pause.
Today's Goals & Agenda
By the end of today, you will:
• Apply four key comma rules with accuracy
• Improve clarity in your writing
Agenda:
- Hook & Objective (5 min)
- Mini-Lesson: Four Rules (10 min)
- Guided Practice (8 min)
- Independent Practice (5 min)
- Share & Reflect (2 min)
Read the learning objectives and agenda. Emphasize that mastering these rules builds confidence in real writing tasks.
Rule 1: Commas in a List
Use commas to separate three or more items:
Example: “I bought apples, bananas, and cherries.”
See more examples in the Comma Rules Reference Guide.
Explain that commas separate items in a series of three or more. Show how omitting the comma before the conjunction can create confusion.
Rule 2: Introductory Elements
Place a comma after an introductory word or phrase:
Example: “After the movie, we went for ice cream.”
More details: Comma Rules Reference Guide.
Point out that introductory words or phrases need a comma to signal the main clause. Practice by having students craft their own.
Rule 3: Independent Clauses
Join two complete sentences with a comma + conjunction:
Example: “She studied hard, so she passed the test.”
Review rules: Comma Rules Reference Guide.
Highlight that when two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), use a comma before the conjunction.
Rule 4: Direct Address
Use commas around names or titles when speaking directly:
Example: “Lisa, could you pass the salt?”
Details: Comma Rules Reference Guide.
Explain direct address: comma sets off the person being spoken to. Show how missing the comma changes tone.
Guided Practice & Exit Ticket
- In pairs, complete the first three sentences on the Practice Comma Application Worksheet.
- Write on your exit ticket:
• The comma rule you found most challenging
• One remaining question about commas
Be ready to share your answers.
Guide students through the first three practice sentences together. Remind them to use their worksheet and reference guide. Then explain the exit ticket prompt.
Reading
Comma Rules Reference Guide
This guide explains four essential comma rules with clear definitions and multiple examples. Refer to it whenever you need a quick refresher on comma placement.
Rule 1: Commas in a Series
When to use: Separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a list. (Also known as the Oxford comma rule.)
Structure: item₁, item₂, and item₃
Examples:
- I packed sandwiches, juice, and fruit for the picnic.
- Her favorite subjects are math, science, history, and art.
- We need to buy eggs, milk, bread, and butter before the party.
Rule 2: Introductory Elements
When to use: After a short word, phrase, or dependent clause that begins a sentence. This comma signals the end of the introduction and the start of the main clause.
Structure: [Introductory word/phrase], main clause
Examples:
- After the show, we went out for ice cream.
- In the morning, the park is quiet and peaceful.
- Yes, I would love to help you with that project.
- To finish on time, start working now.
Rule 3: Independent Clauses with Coordinating Conjunctions
When to use: Between two complete sentences (independent clauses) joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
(Remember FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.)
Structure: independent clause₁, conjunction independent clause₂
Examples:
- She studied hard, so she passed the test.
- I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
- He didn’t like the movie, nor did he enjoy the popcorn.
Rule 4: Direct Address
When to use: To set off the name or title of the person (or people) being spoken to. This comma clarifies who is being addressed.
Structure: Hey [name], … or …, [name].
Examples:
- Lisa, could you please close the window?
- Could you, Mr. Rodriguez, explain this problem again?
- Thank you, everyone, for your hard work.
Quick Tip: Keep this guide handy as you write emails, essays, and stories. When in doubt, read your sentence aloud—pauses often hint at where commas belong.
Worksheet
Practice Comma Application Worksheet
Guided Practice (Sentences 1–3)
Work with a partner. Add commas to each sentence, then identify which comma rule you used.
- I need to buy bread milk and cheese for the picnic.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
- When we arrive we can set up the tent.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
- Come here John I have something to show you.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
Independent Practice (Sentences 4–8)
Complete these on your own. Refer to the Comma Rules Reference Guide as needed.
- She wanted to study yet she was too tired to focus.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
- After the movie we went for ice cream and then we saw a play.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
- My favorite colors are blue green red and yellow.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
- Yes I will help you with your project.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
- Thank you everyone for coming to the meeting.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
Answer Key
Comma Worksheet Answer Key
Below are the correct comma placements and the rule applied for each sentence on the Practice Comma Application Worksheet. Each explanation shows the step-by-step reasoning used to determine where commas belong.
1. I need to buy bread, milk, and cheese for the picnic.
Rule Applied: Commas in a Series
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- Read the sentence aloud: “I need to buy bread milk and cheese for the picnic.” The pause after each item in the list is natural.
- Identify three items being listed: bread, milk, cheese.
- Insert commas between each item. Use the Oxford comma before “and” to separate the last two items clearly.
2. When we arrive, we can set up the tent.
Rule Applied: Introductory Elements
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- Notice the opening dependent clause “When we arrive.”
- A comma is needed to separate this introductory phrase from the main clause.
- Place a comma after “arrive” to signal the shift to the main idea “we can set up the tent.”
3. Come here, John, I have something to show you.
Rule Applied: Direct Address
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- Identify the person being addressed: John.
- Commas must set off “John” from the rest of the sentence.
- Place one comma after “here” and another after “John” to frame the name and clarify that John is being spoken to.
4. She wanted to study, yet she was too tired to focus.
Rule Applied: Independent Clauses with Coordinating Conjunctions
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- Identify two independent clauses:
- Clause 1: She wanted to study
- Clause 2: she was too tired to focus
- Notice they are joined by the coordinating conjunction “yet.”
- Insert a comma before “yet” to join the clauses correctly.
5. After the movie, we went for ice cream, and then we saw a play.
Rules Applied: Introductory Elements & Commas in a Series (with Independent Clauses)
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- The sentence opens with the introductory phrase “After the movie.” Place a comma after it.
- The remainder of the sentence contains two coordinated actions (“we went for ice cream” and “then we saw a play”) joined by “and.” Treat these as independent clauses since each has its own subject and verb.
- Insert a comma before “and then” to link the two clauses.
6. My favorite colors are blue, green, red, and yellow.
Rule Applied: Commas in a Series
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- Identify the list of four items: blue, green, red, yellow.
- Separate each item with a comma.
- Include the Oxford comma before “and yellow” for clarity.
7. Yes, I will help you with your project.
Rule Applied: Introductory Elements
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- The sentence begins with the introductory word “Yes.”
- Place a comma immediately after “Yes” to signal the start of the main clause.
8. Thank you, everyone, for coming to the meeting.
Rule Applied: Direct Address
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- Identify who is being addressed: everyone.
- Use commas both before and after “everyone” to set off the direct address.
- “Thank you” is the main clause, with “everyone” inserted to specify the audience.
Quick Reflection:
- Pay attention to natural pauses when reading your sentences aloud—they often indicate where commas belong.
- Use this answer key to check your work, but also revisit the Comma Rules Reference Guide for additional examples and practice.
Warm Up
Comma Quick Warm-Up
Get ready to sharpen your comma skills! In the space below, add commas to each sentence and identify the rule you applied. You have 5 minutes—go!
- After school we went to the bookstore to pick up novels and magazines.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
- Yes I would love to join the chess club this semester.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
- Sam could you pass me the stapler please.
Rewrite with commas:
Rule applied:
Cool Down
Comma Exit Ticket
Thank you for today’s work on commas! Please complete the questions below before you leave.
- Reflection: Which comma rule do you feel you’ve mastered the most today, and why?
- Question: What is one comma rule or example you’re still unsure about? Write a question we can discuss next time.