Hyphenation Station

This lesson addresses the use of hyphens, which are punctuation marks that connect words or parts of words. The lesson focuses on two key hyphenation conventions: using hyphens in compound modifiers that come before nouns and using hyphens when writing two-word numbers as words. The lesson spans two class periods. On day 1, students will learn about hyphens and key hyphenation conventions, see examples of those hyphenation conventions, examine published mentor texts of hyphenation conventions, and consider why writers would use hyphens in their works. On day 2, students will review information about hyphens and hyphenation conventions, use hyphens in their writing, and reflect on the importance of doing so. To conclude the lesson sequence, students answer an exit question about why hyphens are important tools for strong writing. The lesson's objectives are: students will understand the concept of hyphens; how they are used in compound modifiers that come before nouns; and how they are used when writing two-word numbers as words; students will understand the importance of hyphens to strong writing; and students will be able to use hyphens in their writing and reflect on the importance of doing so.