In this game, students learn how to identify when the semicolon is used correctly in a paragraph. Type, copy and distribute a paragraph to the students. The paragraph contains several semicolons -- some that are used correctly and some that are used incorrectly. The students must circle the semicolons that are used correctly throughout the paragraph, and cross out the semicolons that are not. When the students are finished, review the paragraph as a class so the students can see how many correct identifications they made. The student who makes the greatest number of correct identifications earns extra credit on the next test.
The semicolon race is a game in which you write the same sentence on both sides of the front writing board. When you say "go," two students complete the sentence by placing the semicolon in the spot where it belongs. The student who places the semicolon there first scores a point for his team. After the first two students compete, erase the sentence and write a new sentence on the board for two new students to complete with the semicolon. The team that has the most points by the end of the game wins.
The semicolon match game is a worksheet game in which you make two columns, and each column contains a sentence. To play the game, students must draw a line to connect the two sentences from the two columns that are appropriate to separate with a semicolon. The trick is to make the combined sentences make sense. For instance, if the first sentence is about a black dog, the student has to choose the matching sentence that logically is separated by a semicolon after the first sentence. All of the sentences have a matching pair, so the students must take their time to analyze which sentences go together to create a match.
Use blank sheets of paper and write a word on every page. The words, when put together, make up a sentence. Create a second sentence with more sheets of paper. Call students up to the front of the classroom. Have each student hold one sheet of paper. The students act as part of the sentence. Call upon an additional student to play the role of the semicolon. The semicolon must read the two sentences and decide where to stand so that the sentences are grammatically correct. Ask the class if the semicolon is correct or incorrect.