**Lesson Plan: Grammar (Syntax, Punctuation)**
**Grade Level:** 9
**Subject:** Language Arts
**Duration:** 60 minutes
### **Objective:**
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify and correct common syntax errors.
2. Apply appropriate punctuation rules in their writing.
3. Recognize the impact of syntax and punctuation on clarity and meaning.
### **Materials:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer
- Handouts with practice sentences
- Copies of a short passage (prepared with errors)
- Notebooks and pens
### **Common Core Standards:**
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
### **Lesson Outline:**
**1. Introduction (10 minutes):**
- **Bell Ringer Activity:** Provide students with a sentence with misplaced modifiers and incorrect punctuation. Ask them to silently correct it in their notebooks.
- **Discuss Objectives:** Briefly explain what syntax and punctuation are and why they are essential in writing.
**2. Direct Instruction (15 minutes):**
- **Syntax:** Explain subject-verb agreement, sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and misplaced modifiers.
- **Examples:** Write incorrect sentences on the board and demonstrate how to correct them.
- *Incorrect:* She run to the store.
- *Correct:* She runs to the store.
- *Incorrect:* The book on the table.
- *Correct:* The book is on the table.
- **Punctuation:** Explain the use of commas, periods, semicolons, colons, quotation marks, and apostrophes.
- **Examples:** Provide sentences and discuss how punctuation changes the meaning.
- *Let’s eat, Grandpa!* vs. *Let’s eat Grandpa!*
**3. Guided Practice (15 minutes):**
- **Pair Exercise:** Give students a handout with sentences that contain syntax and punctuation errors. Have them work in pairs to identify and correct the mistakes.
- **Discussion:** Review some of the sentences together. Encourage students to explain their corrections and reasoning.
**4. Independent Practice (10 minutes):**
- **Passage Correction:** Hand out a short passage riddled with various punctuation and syntax errors. Have students work individually to make corrections.
- **Self-Check:** Provide an answer sheet for students to self-assess their corrections.
**5. Application (5 minutes):**
- **Creative Writing Prompt:** Ask students to write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) that correctly uses advanced syntax and punctuation. Share a few examples if time permits.
**6. Recap and Q&A (5 minutes):**
- **Summarize Key Points:** Reinforce the importance of syntax and punctuation.
- **Open Floor:** Address any questions or concerns from students.
### **Assessment:**
- **Formative:** Observe students during guided practice and pair exercises.
- **Summative:** Evaluate the corrected passage for understanding of syntax and punctuation rules.
### **Homework:**
- **Grammar Practice Workbook:** Assign exercises on punctuation and syntax.
- **Writing Assignment:** Write a 200-word narrative or descriptive paragraph using proper grammar and punctuation.
### **Differentiation:**
- **For Advanced Students:** Offer more complex sentences or passages to correct.
- **For Struggling Students:** Provide additional examples and one-on-one support during independent practice.
### **Closure:**
- **Reflection:** Ask students to write one thing they learned today about grammar (syntax, punctuation) and one question they still have for future lessons.
This lesson plan aims to give students a thorough understanding of syntax and punctuation to enhance their writing clarity and effectiveness.