Pistes d'exploration

Discuss the importance of using punctuation in writing. Show how different punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence.

Create an anchor chart (list or Frayer style) to clarify the uses for ‘!’ and ‘?’ punctuation marks. Provide definitions, examples and non-examples for each.

Choose a class topic (such as a current theme or project). Compose questions and statements using the appropriate punctuation.

Discuss one or more of the themes from the story: feelings, being different, finding solutions, encouraging others, etc.

When do we use exclamation and question marks? Is their use similar or different in French? 

Write, decorate and post

Discuss the differences between punctuation in a formal (school) context versus that used in a social media platform. Under what circumstances is intentionally non-standard (less common) punctuation useful (e.g. !!! or ?!)? As a class, practise revising sentences that include punctuation errors.

Create classroom posters with examples of the effective and ineffective use of punctuation.

Choose a class topic (such as a current theme or project). Create an FAQ list. Compose the questions and answers using appropriate punctuation.

The Day the Crayons Quit, Duck! Rabbit!, Oddrey

Mots-clés

Humour , Picture book , differences , individuality , punctuation , self-confidence

Commentaire descriptif

This humorous, minimal picture book doubles as a clever work of post-modern artliterature. It is equally suitable as a sophisticated coffee-table book or for reinforcing basic punctuation concepts. The story follows the experience of an exclamation mark (!) as he hangs out with his friends, the periods (……). He desperately tries to be like the others, and the black lines of the artwork wobble and twist, humorously depicting the bedraggled, emotional state of this unhappy exclamation mark. When a question mark (?) appears, bombarding the exclamation mark with questions: “Who are you?… Do you like frogs?… Who’s taller, you or me?”, the exclamation mark vigorously shouts, “Stop!”—and thus he finds his place in the world. The sentence structure is simple, while the language employs rich vocabulary: “He was confused, flummoxed, and deflated.” Creating characters from punctuation is a brilliant way to help children understand and use their communicative powers. Readers of all ages will enjoy the subtle puns and visual jokes throughout this book.