Provide the first-grade students with the definition of the exclamation point. Write the form of punctuation on the board and explain to students that the mark is used in writing to show surprise, happiness, shock, shouting or any other bold emotion or action.
Write sentence that requires an exclamation point on the board, "The house is on fire!" for example. Write the sentence twice, using a period at the end of one and an exclamation point at the end of the other sentence.
Read the sentence that ends with the period in a flat, semi-monotone voice. Read the sentence that ends with the exclamation point in a shouting, shocked voice. Point to the punctuation mark at the end of each sentence as you read each of the sentences.
Ask students to identify which way of saying the sentence is more appropriate -- the shouting, shocked voice. Have them identify the punctuation mark used at the end of the sentence that you used a shouting, shocked voice while reading.
Explain to the first-graders that while the same words are written in each sentence, it is the punctuation mark that changes the way in which the sentence is read, thus changing the meaning.
Write several sentences on the board. Ask student volunteers to read the sentences in a voice that indicates both a period and an exclamation point being used. Have classmates identify which way of saying the sentences is more powerful and meaningful, with a period or with an exclamation point.
Invite the first-graders to create their own sentences that contain exclamation points.