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.
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🧒 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.
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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:
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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?
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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.
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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
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Reflection
- How does combining sentences help your writing?