Title: Mastering Punctuation: Subordinating Conjunctions and Conjunctive Adverbs

Objective: By the end of this mini-lesson, students will be able to punctuate subordinating conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs correctly, and apply their knowledge in a writing practice.

Materials: - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers - Handout with examples and practice sentences (optional)

Engagement (2 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever encountered sentences that seemed confusing or lacked clarity. Allow a few students to share their experiences. 2. Explain that today’s lesson will focus on two important punctuation rules that can help improve sentence clarity: punctuating subordinating conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs.

Instruction (5 minutes): 1. Write the definition of subordinating conjunctions on the board: Subordinating conjunctions are words that join a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a complex sentence. Examples include: after, although, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, while. 2. Explain that when a subordinating conjunction begins a sentence, a comma is used to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause. Write an example on the board: “After I finished my homework, I went to the park.” 3. Emphasize that if the independent clause comes before the dependent clause, no comma is needed. Write an example on the board: “I went to the park after I finished my homework.” 4. Write the definition of conjunctive adverbs on the board: Conjunctive adverbs are words that connect two independent clauses, showing a relationship between them. Examples include: however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, furthermore. 5. Explain that when a conjunctive adverb is used to connect two independent clauses, a semicolon is placed before the conjunctive adverb, and a comma is placed after it. Write an example on the board: “I wanted to go to the party; however, I had to study for my exam.” 6. Remind students that if a conjunctive adverb is used within a single clause or at the beginning of a sentence, a comma is placed after it. Write an example on the board: “However, I had to study for my exam, so I couldn’t go to the party.”

Writing Practice (3 minutes): 1. Distribute a handout with examples and practice sentences, or have students use their notebooks. 2. Instruct students to punctuate the given sentences correctly, using either a comma or a semicolon, based on the rules discussed. 3. Encourage students to work individually or in pairs to complete the practice sentences. 4. After a few minutes, review the answers together, allowing students to share their responses and explaining any corrections if necessary.

Conclusion (1 minute): 1. Recap the main points of the lesson: subordinating conjunctions are punctuated with a comma when they begin a sentence, while conjunctive adverbs are punctuated with a semicolon before them and a comma after them when connecting two independent clauses. 2. Encourage students to practice using these punctuation rules in their future writing to enhance clarity and coherence. 3. Thank the students for their participation and conclude the mini-lesson.

Note: Adjust the timing of the mini-lesson as needed to ensure students have enough time for practice and discussion.