Teaching Comma Rules

The Common Core State Standard requires fifth grade students to learn five comma rules. Students will find this anchor chart a quick easy reference.

This anchor chart covers the 5th grade Common Core comma rules:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.2.A
Use punctuation to separate items in a series.*

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.2.B
Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.2.C
Use a comma to set off the words yes and no (e.g., Yes, thank you), to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence (e.g., It’s true, isn’t it?), and to indicate direct address (e.g., Is that you, Steve?).

Comma Rules Videos

The following videos are all short and comical. They make great hooks to lessons on commas.

Commas in a Series

Commas After Introductory Elements

Direct Address

Foldable Organizer

Making foldable organizers uses up a lot of class time. This quick and simple organizer can be made in a matter of minutes. Just fold copier paper and staple across the top.