Colons: first function
I can use the colon to introduce a list or a question.
Colons: first function
I can use the colon to introduce a list or a question.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A colon is a piece of punctuation with more than one purpose.
- A colon is always placed after a main clause.
- A colon can introduce a list or a question.
- A colon can help to improve text cohesion.
Keywords
Colon - a piece of punctuation placed after a main clause that can introduce a list or a question
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Text cohesion - how a text flows to maintain the interest of the reader and achieve text purpose
Common misconception
Pupils may not place a main clause before the colon.
Emphasise that for questions and lists, we always have a main clause before the colon; for questions, we also have one after the colon.
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Colons: first function, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Colons: first function, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the Punctuation unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
active
centred
verbal
author
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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