Punctuation in Books

English Language Arts (ELA) - Kindergarten

Hear the Tone and Learn Periods, Questions & Exclamations

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Punctuation in Books

Goal

Punctuation

This activity aims to help students recognize the difference between a period, a question mark, and an exclamation mark by listening to the tones used during reading the book.

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Activity Prep

• The Punctuation Flags (period, question mark, and exclamation mark) from the previous exercise.

• Book that contains question marks and exclamation marks. For example, the "Elephant & Piggie" series.

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How to Play

Number of Players:  

• Up to about 10 players

Setup: 

1. Pick a book that has question marks and exclamation marks. For example, the "Elephant & Piggie" books have many exclamation marks.

2. Sit in a circle with the teacher.

3. Each player prepares three punctuation flags.

Playing: 

1. The teacher reads the chosen book slowly, pausing after each sentence.  

2. Students guess quickly and raise the flag that matches the punctuation used in the sentence.  

3. The teacher reviews the flags.

4. Keep playing until the teacher says the game is over.

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Teachers

• When reading, please exaggerate the sentences with question marks and exclamation marks.

• Please make sure to check which flag the students are raising, and help them if they look confused.

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Common Core

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.2.B (Recognize and name end punctuation.)