Fixing Run-On Sentences Three Different Ways
About this lesson
Students learn to spot run-on sentences and fix them in three ways: with a period, with a comma and joining word, or with a semicolon. They work in pairs, then write a run-on for a partner to fix. It takes about 12 minutes and needs only a board and scrap paper.
- Grade
- 6
- Subject
- ELA
- Time
- 12 min
- Prep
- 5 min
Objective
Students will identify run-on sentences and correct them using a period, a comma with a coordinating conjunction, or a semicolon.
Prep
5 min: write five run-on sentences on the board (e.g. 'My dog barked all night nobody could sleep.')
Materials
- whiteboard and markers
- scrap paper
- pencils
- sticky notes
Steps
- Write 'The bell rang everyone ran outside.' and explain that a run-on joins two complete thoughts with no proper connection. Fix it three ways in front of the class: 'The bell rang. Everyone ran outside.', 'The bell rang, so everyone ran outside.', and 'The bell rang; everyone ran outside.'
- Write the three fixes as a reminder on the board: period, comma plus and/but/so/or/yet, or semicolon. Say that a comma alone is not enough.
- In pairs, students copy and fix the five run-ons on the board, using each of the three methods at least once.
- Call on pairs to read one fix aloud; the class gives a thumbs up if it is correct and discusses which version sounds best.
- Each student writes one new run-on on a sticky note, swaps with a partner, and fixes the partner's sentence.
Quick Check
Collect the sticky notes and check that each fixed sentence uses a correct method and is not joined by a comma alone.
Differentiation
Make it easier: Underline the two complete thoughts in each run-on before students fix it, and allow only the period method at first.
Make it harder: Add a fourth method by making one part dependent, such as 'When the bell rang, everyone ran outside.'
Good For
- Before lunch
- Review
- Supply teacher
- Morning warm-up
