Colons And Semicolons (KS2) Made Easy For Parents
Gallery
Image © feelgoodjunkie from Pixabay.
As your child makes their way through primary school, they are introduced to new English grammar and punctuation.
We can be rusty when it comes to teaching the national curriculum as it feels like we were in the classroom a lifetime ago. Don't fret, we have created this free resource so teaching children to make perfectly punctuated sentences is less daunting.
This article is about colons and semicolons: when to use them, what kids need to know about them, and some resources to help you guide your child.
When To Use A Colon And Semicolon?
We use colons and semicolons for introductions and to create connections between clauses.
A colon looks like two dots, one on top of the other (:). Colons are used to bring attention to the words after it. Colons introduce a list, a quotation, or also between two independent linked clauses. An independent clause makes sense on its own as if it was a standalone sentence.
Here are some examples:
- I will buy these at the supermarket: bread, fruit, vegetables, and milk.
- The teacher announced: "The test is tomorrow!"
- The whole class agreed: the homework was easy.
A semicolon looks like one dot on top of a comma (;). They create a break in a sentence that is longer than a comma but not as final as a full stop.
It is used between two independent clauses that are related. Semicolons replace the conjunction (and, but, for, so). For example:
The breeze was cool; the sun was scorching.
Here, the semicolon replaces 'and'.The two clauses can serve as separate sentences but semicolon usage works more seamlessly.
Semicolons can also be used to separate items in a list that has long phrases. For example:
At the circus, I saw the following: a bear on a ball; a clown juggling; acrobats doing tricks; and many horses prancing.
You may be wondering, can you use semicolons after a colon? As in the last example, it is indeed.
What Is The Difference Between Them?
When choosing between using colons, semicolons, commas or full stops it can be tricky. The key is to use a semicolon when the second sentence does not explain the first: it is a completely new thought. On the other hand, colons are used when the second sentence explains the first.
Image © emmaws4s from Pixabay
What Are Children Taught About Colon and Semicolon Use?
Teaching about colons and semicolons happens gradually throughout KS2. In Year three children are first introduced to colons.
By then, they should have had experience using commas, so the next step is teaching them about colons through learning how to write a list. Teachers provide examples of various lists and ask students to fill in colons and commas correctly. Then, children create their own list, for example, a shopping list.
Using colons to separate clauses is a more difficult concept so is taught in Year 5 or Year 6. Semicolons are taught in Year six because they are more complex.
Using colons and semicolons at clause boundaries are taught with worksheets and exercises where children insert punctuation correctly within a sentence. Once they get the hang of it, kids are encouraged to use them in their writing.
The ultimate test arrives in KS2 SATS, where children are expected to be able to place colons and semicolons correctly within a sentence.
Tips And Resources
Image © Flickr
There are tonnes of resources to ensure that kids have got to grips with semicolons and colons. Search no further, Kidadl is your one-stop resource for English grammar.
For something exciting and interactive, join the Grammar gang with MC Grammar who makes teaching this stuff a blast. This is a great resource to dip into again and again.
There are plenty of free online resources like worksheets, engaging tutorial videos and games. Kidadl has made it easier for you with this resource outlining the best free online games.
Get those creative juices flowing. Get your child to create posters with the rules and some examples, encourage reading and creative writing, and let your child take charge of writing lists. You can even ask teachers for suggested resources so that your kid gets that extra practice to be well-prepared.
Top Tip: Practice makes perfect, but make it fun, with online resources and activities!
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor's degree specializing in Economics, Master's degree specializing in Development Management
Danielle OutenBachelor's degree specializing in Economics, Master's degree specializing in Development Management
Growing up in London, Danielle has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Southampton and a Master's degree in Development Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She has always been surrounded by a big family and loves outdoor activities and adventurous experiences. She has traveled the world in search of new waves to surf. Danielle enjoys discovering new and fun activities to share with her relatives.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
