Create a scavenger hunt to help students learn to identify dependent and independent clauses. Write dependent and independent clauses on index cards, one clause on each card, and hide the cards around the classroom. Divide the class into two teams, and have one team search for dependent clauses and the other for independent clauses. Another way to create a scavenger hunt is to hide only dependent clauses and have everyone search until they have found one. Then ask students to match their dependent clause with an independent clause listed on the blackboard. For instance, a student who finds a card that reads "because he was hungry" could connect it to the independent clause "He ate a hamburger" written on the board.
Teach kids about dissecting sentences by writing dependent clauses and independent clauses on index cards, one on each card. On other cards, write colons; semicolons; and commas followed by conjunctions -- "and," "but," "or," "for," "so," and yet." Have students construct their own sentences by rearranging the cards. Encourage them to join an independent clause to another independent clause with a colon or semicolon. They can also use the cards with a semicolon and the cards with a comma plus a conjunction to join two independent clauses.
Give each student a slip of paper with a dependent clause written on it. Then ask students to incorporate their clause into a silly sentence. For instance, a student might receive the dependent clause "Since he learned to play the piano." He can create a sentence by adding a comma, followed by "he can entertain his pet monkey" or "he has made a million dollars."
Consider creating holiday-specific games to help teach dependent and independent clauses. For instance, create a Christmas game by drawing a poster with a picture of Santa Claus holding two gift bags. Label the bags "Independent Clauses" and "Dependent Clauses." Point out that the title of the game is "Santa Clause." Write holiday-related independent and dependent clauses such as "All I want for Christmas" and "is a new puppy" on small note cards, and have students put the clauses into the appropriate gift bag.