Amber M. Robinson
Mini Lesson 1
Conventions
Run On Sentences
Time: 20-25 minutes
Materials:
Copy of Handout (attached)
Highlighters
Pencils
Purpose:
This mini lesson is designed to help students with run on sentences. In my own observation I have seen that students, while writing in essay format, have trouble with complete and precise sentencing. The purpose of this mini lesson is to help students identify run on sentences and the procedures that can be done to help with editing run on sentences. Use this lesson while students are writing essays/stories, to help correct run-ons.
Introduction: 5
minutes
Today we are going to be looking closely at Run-On sentences. Can anyone tell me what a run on sentence is? (Multiple students will be able to give their ideas and definitions of a run on sentence). According to the Dictionary of English Language, a run on sentence is “a sentence in which two or more independent clauses are not properly joined by a semicolon or conjunction.”
Example and
Definition: 5 minutes
(On the over head
projector, display the definition and an example of a run on sentence, for
example: The Students at
Questions and
Comments: 5 minutes
Do you see the importance of editing and correcting run on sentences? Can you see the confusion they may add to a piece of writing while someone is reading it? Are there any questions about run on sentences or ways to correct them? (Allow time for students to ask these questions or offer examples of their on).
Exercise: 10 minutes
I am going to give you a handout about run on sentences. This handout consists of many grammatical errors, resulting in run on sentences. In small groups or individually, I would like for you to make the necessary corrections to this paragraph. After you have made the corrections, I would like for you to highlight these areas so we can discuss them when you are through. Now that you have completed the handout, I would like for us to share our corrections. (Place the handout on the over head projector. Starting with the first sentence, have one student from each group come to the projector and correct one sentence and explain why and how they made their correction).
Closing:
As a class discuss the confusion run on sentences cause for readers. Have students refer to their writings in progress and search for run on sentences. How can we revise and edit our works in progress? Have students look through their “writings in progress” section of their Writing Folders and search for run on sentences to make corrections. Afterwards, students can continue to work on their writings in progress. Be available for assistance and allow students to assist one another. Make sure students see the importance of semicolons, commas, periods and other conventions.
Objectives:
NCSCS:
Competency Goal 6:
The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.
Objective 6.01:
Demonstrate an understanding of conventional written and spoken expressions by:
Using a variety of sentence types correctly, punctuating them properly, and avoiding fragments and run-ons.
NCTE/IRA:
4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences for a variety of purpose.
*Note- If you find that in your classroom your students are experiencing problems with run-on sentences, this lesson may be a help. This mini lesson will allow for you to directly address run on sentences and offer your students solutions for this problem.
Run- On Sentences
Definition: “A sentence in which two or more independent clauses are not properly joined by a semicolon or conjunction.”
Directions: The following paragraph needs major help! In small groups or independently, make the necessary corrections and highlight your corrections for later discussion.
Sarah is a new
girl at our school her hair is long wavy and brown. Sarah has just moved here
from