Georgia 3.L.GC.1.25

ELA3rd GradeGrammar, Usage, & Mechanics

The Standard

Mechanics: Use commas with coordinating conjunctions to join independent clauses. (Master)

Georgia's K-12 English Language Arts Standards · Language (L) · Grammar Conventions

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students recognize when two complete thoughts have been joined in one sentence. They place a comma before words such as “and,” “but,” or “so” when each side could stand alone.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students correctly write sentences such as, “The rain stopped, and we went outside.” They can explain that each side of the conjunction expresses a complete thought.
Common Misconceptions: Students often place a comma before every conjunction, even when it only links words or actions. They may also miss the comma when both sides can stand alone as sentences.
How to Assess It: Give this exit ticket: Combine “Mia wanted another book” and “the library was closing” using “but.” Underline each complete thought.

Lesson moves

Give pairs sentence strips, comma cards, and conjunction cards, then have them build and read compound sentences.
Compare “I packed and left” with “I packed, and my sister left”; ask students to explain why only one needs a comma.
Play Comma or No Comma by displaying sentences and having students hold up cards, then correct each sentence together.
Find compound sentences in a class newsletter, underline both complete thoughts, circle the conjunction, and check the comma.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3.L.GC.1.25, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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