Mastering Conjunctions Grammar Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Week 5: Grammar – Identifying and Using Conjunctions

Subject: Grammar
Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 9 years

Topic: Identifying and Using Conjunctions
Sub-topic: Understanding and Applying Conjunctions
Duration: 40 minutes


Behavioural Objectives:

  • Pupils will be able to identify and use conjunctions in sentences.
  • Pupils will understand the role of conjunctions in connecting words, phrases, and clauses.
  • Pupils will create sentences using different conjunctions to show relationships between ideas.

Key Words:

  • Conjunction
  • Connect
  • Clause
  • Join
  • Example

Set Induction:

Begin by explaining what conjunctions are and their role in connecting different parts of a sentence. Use simple examples to show how conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., “and,” “but,” “or”).

Entry Behaviour:

Pupils should have a basic understanding of nouns, verbs, and sentence structure from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Charts showing examples of common conjunctions
  • Worksheets with sentences for practice
  • Flashcards with conjunctions

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Relate conjunctions to previously learned sentence structures, highlighting how they help in forming complete sentences and expressing complex ideas.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Grammar identification
  • Sentence formation
  • Linking ideas

Learning Materials:

  • Charts of common conjunctions
  • Practice worksheets
  • Flashcards

Reference Books:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Primary 4 English Language textbooks

Instructional Materials:

  • Conjunction charts
  • Practice worksheets
  • Flashcards

Content:

  1. Introduction to Conjunctions:
    • Definition: A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.
    • Examples: “and,” “but,” “or,” “because,” “so.”
    • Sentences:
      • “I like apples and oranges.” (Conjunction: and)
      • “She was tired, but she finished her homework.” (Conjunction: but)
  2. Types of Conjunctions:
    • Coordinating Conjunctions:
      • “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “for,” “so,” “yet”
      • Examples:
        • “We can go to the park or the zoo.” (Coordinating: or)
        • “It was raining, so we stayed inside.” (Coordinating: so)
    • Subordinating Conjunctions:
      • “because,” “although,” “if,” “when,” “unless”
      • Examples:
        • “We stayed home because it was raining.” (Subordinating: because)
        • “I will come if you invite me.” (Subordinating: if)
    • Correlative Conjunctions:
      • “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “both…and”
      • Examples:
        • Either you can have cake or ice cream.” (Correlative: either…or)
        • Both the cat and the dog were sleepy.” (Correlative: both…and)
  3. Identifying and Using Conjunctions in Sentences:
    • Practice recognizing conjunctions and their functions in various sentences.
    • Examples:
      • “I wanted to go out, but it was too cold.” (Conjunction: but)
      • “She can have a cookie if she finishes her dinner.” (Conjunction: if)

Evaluation:

  • Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:
    1. I like to swim ______ I don’t like to run. (conjunction: but)
      • a) and
      • b) but
      • c) or
      • d) so
    2. We can go to the beach ______ the park. (conjunction: or)
      • a) but
      • b) and
      • c) or
      • d) because
    3. She was happy ______ she won the prize. (conjunction: because)
      • a) or
      • b) but
      • c) so
      • d) because
    4. ______ you are late, you should hurry. (conjunction: since)
      • a) but
      • b) because
      • c) or
      • d) so
    5. They wanted to buy the toy ______ they had no money. (conjunction: but)
      • a) and
      • b) but
      • c) or
      • d) so
    6. You can either eat your vegetables ______ leave the table. (conjunction: or)
      • a) and
      • b) but
      • c) or
      • d) so
    7. I will help you ______ you ask me nicely. (conjunction: if)
      • a) or
      • b) because
      • c) if
      • d) but
    8. We went to the zoo ______ it was raining. (conjunction: although)
      • a) and
      • b) although
      • c) because
      • d) so
    9. ______ the movie is long, it is very interesting. (conjunction: Although)
      • a) but
      • b) because
      • c) or
      • d) although
    10. They brought snacks ______ drinks to the party. (conjunction: and)
      • a) or
      • b) but
      • c) and
      • d) so

Class Activity Discussion:

  • FAQs with Answers:
    1. What is a conjunction?
      • A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.
    2. What are some common coordinating conjunctions?
      • “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “for,” “so,” “yet.”
    3. How do subordinating conjunctions work?
      • They connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
    4. What are correlative conjunctions?
      • They come in pairs, such as “either…or” and “both…and.”
    5. Why are conjunctions important in sentences?
      • They help link ideas and create complex sentences.
    6. Can a sentence have more than one conjunction?
      • Yes, sentences can have multiple conjunctions.
    7. How can you identify a conjunction in a sentence?
      • Look for words that connect clauses or phrases.
    8. Can conjunctions be used to show contrast?
      • Yes, words like “but” and “although” show contrast.
    9. How do you use conjunctions to add information?
      • Use words like “and” or “both…and” to add details.
    10. What should you do if you’re unsure about using a conjunction?
      • Refer to examples and practice creating sentences with conjunctions.
  • What is the function of a conjunction in a sentence?
    • Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. They help join ideas and show the relationship between them.
  • How can you identify a conjunction in a sentence?
    • Conjunctions are typically words that link different parts of a sentence. They often appear between two words, phrases, or clauses. Examples include and, but, or, because, and although.
  • Can you provide 5 examples of coordinating conjunctions?
    • Examples of coordinating conjunctions are:
      • And
      • But
      • Or
      • Nor
      • So
  • Why are conjunctions important in writing?
    • Conjunctions are important because they help create complex sentences, clarify relationships between ideas, and ensure smooth flow in writing. They prevent choppy or fragmented sentences.
  • How do conjunctions help in connecting ideas?
    • Conjunctions connect ideas by linking related words, phrases, or clauses. They help show how different parts of a sentence are related, whether by adding information, showing contrast, or providing choices. For example, “I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.”

Participate in Discussions About Conjunctions

Examples and Functions:

  • Coordinating Conjunctions:
    • And: “I wanted ice cream and a piece of cake.”
    • But: “She wanted to go out, but it was raining.”
    • Or: “Would you like tea or coffee?”
    • Nor: “He does not eat meat, nor does he eat fish.”
    • So: “It was hot, so we stayed indoors.”
  • Subordinating Conjunctions:
    • Because: “He was late because he missed the bus.”
    • Although: “She went for a walk, although it was chilly.”
  • Correlative Conjunctions:
    • Either/Or: “You can either come with us or stay home.”
    • Neither/Nor: “Neither the red dress nor the blue one fits.”

2. Complete Worksheets and Sentence Exercises

Identify Conjunctions:

  • Read through sentences and underline conjunctions. Example: “She likes apples and oranges.”

Fill in the Blanks:

  • Sentence: “I wanted to play soccer, __ it was raining.”
    • (a) so
    • (b) but
    • (c) because
    • Answer: (b) but
  • Sentence: “You should finish your homework __ you can watch TV.”
    • (a) and
    • (b) or
    • (c) before
    • Answer: (c) before

Combine Sentences:

  • Sentences: “It was cold.” “We went outside.”
    • Combined: “It was cold, but we went outside.”

3. Use Conjunctions in Their Own Sentences

  • Coordinating Conjunction:
    • “I want to visit Paris and London this year.”
  • Subordinating Conjunction:
    • “I will finish my homework because I need to prepare for the test.”
  • Correlative Conjunction:
    • Neither the teacher nor the students were present.”

By practicing these tasks, you will gain a deeper understanding of how to use conjunctions effectively in both discussions and writing.

Presentation:

  • Step 1: Review the previous topic on prepositions.
  • Step 2: Introduce conjunctions, explaining their role in linking ideas and providing examples.
  • Step 3: Allow pupils to practice using conjunctions in sentences and provide feedback.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Explain the concept of conjunctions with examples.
  • Provide practice worksheets and activities.
  • Assist pupils in using conjunctions correctly.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Participate in discussions about conjunctions.
  • Complete worksheets and sentence exercises.
  • Use conjunctions in their own sentences.

Assessment:

  • Review worksheets and class participation.
  • Check understanding through fill-in-the-blank questions and discussions.

Evaluation Questions:

  • What is the function of a conjunction in a sentence?
  • How can you identify a conjunction in a sentence?
  • Can you provide an example of a coordinating conjunction?
  • Why are conjunctions important in writing?
  • How do conjunctions help in connecting ideas?

Conclusion:

  • The teacher will review pupils’ work, provide feedback, and address any difficulties encountered with using conjunctions.