# Lesson 7: Punctuation and periods

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Getting Started with Writing

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## Objective

I can use a period at the end of a simple sentence and check that my sentences start, make sense, and end correctly.

## Materials

- Short, sharpened pencil
- Eraser
- Ruled paper (primary lines preferred)
- Tracing Pad (below)
- Short sentence strips or cards (for example: I see a cat)

## Mini-lesson — periods show the end

A period is a small dot: . It shows that a sentence has come to an end.

1. period at the end

- We put a period at the very end of a sentence.
- It tells the reader, "Now you can take a little breath."
- Example: I see a dog.

2. Do not use it after every word

- We do not put a dot after each word.
- We wait until the whole idea is finished.
- Wrong: I. see. a. dog.
- Right: I see a dog.

3. Use your stopping voice

- When you see a period, your voice has a little stop.
- Read to the end, pause, then start the next sentence.
- This makes your reading sound smooth.

4. periods and capitals

- After a period, the next sentence starts with a capital letter.
- Example: I like cats. They are soft.

Say this rule: "I write my sentence, then I stop with a dot."

Picture strip: "Where does the period go?"

## Guided Practice — Stop with a dot

Use this routine to add periods to your simple sentences.

1. Say a sentence: Try I see a cat. or We run fast. Say the whole sentence in one smooth voice.
2. Feel the ending: When your voice stops, that is where the period belongs.
3. Trace on the pad: On the Tracing Pad, choose a pattern like I see or a cat. Write the words and add a dot at the end.
4. Read and stop: Slide your finger under the words. When you reach the dot, give a tiny pause.
5. Move to paper: On your paper, write a whole sentence. Check: capital, spaces, period.
6. Try two sentences: For example: I like cats. They are soft. Remember a dot at the end of each sentence.

Think: "I say my idea, then I stop with a dot."

Tracing Pad
Lines
Trace
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Build sentences with periods

First, build each short sentence on the screen. Then copy it neatly on your ruled paper with a period at the end.

On the device:
Look at the word chips for each question. Drag the words into the correct order to make a sentence. Make sure the period (dot) chip comes last.

On paper:
Copy the finished sentence onto your paper. Check for a capital letter at the start, spaces between words, and a period at the end.

I see a dog .
We sit and read .
I like my pen .
The cat is big .
I run to school .

## Quick Check — Punctuation and periods

Answer each question about periods and simple sentences. This is a gentle 10-question check.

#### What is a period?

A big circle under the word A small dot at the end of a sentence A line above the word

#### Where do we put a period?

After every single word In the middle of a word At the end of the sentence

#### What should you do when you see a period while reading?

Stop for a tiny pause, then go on Skip the word before it Turn the page right away

#### What should a simple sentence have?

Lots of mixed-up ideas One clear idea that makes sense Only one word with a dot

#### Which line shows periods used correctly?

I. like. my. cat. I like my cat I like my cat.

#### Why do we use periods?

To show that the sentence is finished To make the word longer To erase the last word

#### What should happen after a period?

The next word is tiny The next sentence starts with a capital letter There are no spaces

#### Which sentence uses the period in the right place?

The dog is big. The dog. is big The. dog is big

#### What writing speed helps you remember periods?

Very fast with no thinking Only when someone checks every word Slow and careful, checking the end

#### How can you find where to put a period?

Guess and put it anywhere Read the sentence and notice where your voice stops Put it after the first word only

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Uses a period at the end of most sentences Does not put dots after every word Can read sentences with a small pause at periods Writes simple sentences that start, make sense, and end correctly

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can find and use periods at the end of my sentences. 🙂 I need more practice remembering my periods. 😅 Periods are still a bit tricky for me.

#### I will practice…

Looking for the end of my idea Adding a period at the end Reading my sentences with a stopping voice
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