Read through sentences and make sure to use different ones to illustrate the various types of punctuation. include sentences that show how to properly use a period, exclamation point, question mark and comma. Leave semicolon and colon usage for later lessons after the basics have been taught.
Hand out copies of the sentences you will be using to teach punctuation, and highlight the punctuation on each sentence. Explain why each type is used. Tell students that a period is used to end a sentence. Explain that a comma is used to join thoughts together. Teach students that question marks are used at the end of a question and an exclamation point is used to show excitement.
Hand out sheets of paper with sentences written on them. Make sure the sentences are an assortment of types so that students can practice punctuation. Make sure no punctuation is used on any of the lines so that students can practice punctuation on their own. Have students make punctuation marks with colored pencils or pens or use a highlighter over pencil to show the marks used.
Practice stressing punctuation by stating what punctuation is used when reading short sentences. For example, say, "The dog is brown. Period." Do this for all punctuation marks being taught to show how they sound in a sentence. Have students use the same method during punctuation practice. After saying a sentence, have students state out loud what punctuation mark was chosen.