Connector Cards We created the connector card exercise out of our combined experience as grammar and writing teachers. We noticed that students did not change their writing when errors such as commas splices, run on sentences, and fragments were pointed out to them because they did not understand how to connect clauses with coordinating conjunctions, transition words and a semicolon, and subordinating conjunctions. This exercise allows students to examine sentences in detail and understand how clauses are logically connected, sometimes for the first time in their education.

Connector Cards: Scaffolded Learning Students learn the use of coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions and transition words by creating and using connector cards. As students go through the process of writing and copying their sentences, they learn the concept through repetition. We asked them to follow the following steps. Look at the model: Recognize and copy sentences from the reading using the targeted connecting words. Guided response: Copy the model sentences onto 3X5 cards and evaluate each sentence for its meaning and components. Write original sentences about the reading, copy them onto 3X5 colored cards (purple for transition words, green for coordinating conjunctions, and pink for subordinating conjunctions), then copy them onto 3x5 white cards. After the students have associated the connectors with a color and realize that there are three different kinds of connectors, we ask them to sort the unmarked white cards into categories and explain why they put each sentence in that category. How to Create Connector Cards (Sets 1 and 2)

Ebelia's Card Test (2:13) Using the Connector Cards After practicing with the colored and white cards that contain sentences copied from the reading, Ebelia Rodriguez writes her own sentences on colored and white cards. After she has thoroughly practiced these sentences, she explains them to her instructor for a grade.

Cesar Studies an Example (0:55) Recognizing the Use of Connectors While studying coordinating conjunctions, Cesar Cortes came across the following sentence in the reading: "Ricky began to feel a change, for the alcohol began to influence his senses." Here he discusses the parts of the sentence (number and kind of clauses), the meaning of the connector, and the appropriate punctuation. Cesar explains what he learned about grammar.

Ysabel Makes Colored Cards (2:30) Creating the Connector Cards Here Ysabel Solorio copies sentences onto colored cards. Later, she will copy them again onto white cards. The different colors represent the different kinds of connectors, providing visual clues to structure, punctuation, and meaning. This activity gives Ysabel an additional opportunity to practice the use of each type of connector and ask questions about what she doesn't understand. Additionally, each sentence is analyzed on the back of the card, so later Ysabel can check her progress herself. After Ysabel feels comfortable using the colored cards, she will begin to practice with the white cards which do not provide as many clues.

Ebelia's transition word card

Ebelia's coordinating conjunction card

Ebelia's subordinating conjunction card

Learning is Fun (1:33) A Card Game to Reinforce Key Concepts Sandra Doke and Charlene Williams have fun learning connectors with their cards. When the teacher says turn, they each turn over a card. They read the sentence to locate the connector, and slap the table if the connectors are the same type (coordinating conjunction, subordinating conjunction, or transition word). The person who slaps first and is correct is the winner of the hand.