402 Combining Sentences

Convention: Commas in Compound Sentences

👩‍🏫 Teacher’s Guide

Objective
Students will learn how to improve sentence fluency by combining related sentences. Students will also practice using commas in compound sentences correctly.

Teaching Notes

• Combining sentences helps writing sound smoother and less choppy.
• A compound sentence joins two complete sentences.
• Use a comma before the joining word (and, but, or).
• Read sentences aloud to hear the smoother flow.

🧒 Student Worksheet

Helping Material

Compound sentences

• Join two complete ideas
• Use and, but, or

Comma rule

• Use a comma before the joining word

Example:
I like reading, and I like writing.

Modeled Improvement (Before → After)

1. Before: I finished my work. I felt proud.
   After: Why it’s better:

2. Before: I wanted to play. It was raining.
   After: Why it’s better:

3. Before: We can walk. We can ride bikes.
   After: Why it’s better:

4. Before: I read a book. I watched TV.
   After: Why it’s better:

5. Before: I like apples. I do not like oranges.
   After: Why it’s better:

Writing Choices Q&A

1. What is a compound sentence?

2. What words join compound sentences?

3. Where does the comma go?

4. Does combining sentences improve fluency?

5. Should all sentences be combined?

Mini Activities

1. Combine the Sentences
   I was tired. I kept working.

2. Fix the Sentence
   I like dogs and I like cats.

3. Choose the Word
   I wanted to go, ___ it was late.

4. Comma Check
   We played and we laughed.

5. Write a Sentence
   Use a compound sentence.

Writing Samples

(5 samples · 8–10 sentences · combined sentences + commas)

1. After School

2. A Class Project

3. At the Park

4. A Rainy Day

5. Team Practice

Reflection

• How does combining sentences help your writing?