The Punctuation Song

This cross curricular song is by request! Punctuation is the use of marks in writing that separate sentences into parts and clarify meaning. This song is a fun way to learn some commonly used marks in punctuation, though it is by no means exhaustive. (What, no ampersand? No tilde?) John considered defining each term in the song, but that would have made it prohibitively long, so he opted to make it a "list tune."

The style is rock, the lyrics have some challenging rhythms, and the tempo demands enunciation, so this tune should keep your students on their toes! Pay attention to articulations, which are sort of like the punctuation marks of written music (along with dynamic markings and style markings, etc.). Speaking the lyrics slowly before bringing it up to tempo might be helpful. Fortunately, the song is repetitive and short, so in spite of the challenges, this is a song we think your students will master quickly.

Here's a fun idea: Have your students "draw" each symbol in the air as they sing it. This will add action and it will reinforce the learning, too. Given the tempo, if they master this, they'll have something to be proud of. Don't forget September 24th is National Punctuation Day®!