Understanding Question Marks

Curriculum Area

English
Key Stage 1 (Year 1) – National Curriculum for English in the UK (2014):

• Reading - comprehension: Develop pleasure in reading and understanding simple texts.
• Writing: Write sentences that are correctly punctuated.
• Spoken language: Ask relevant questions to extend knowledge and understanding.

---

Lesson Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Understand what a question mark is and its purpose.
2. Be able to identify sentences where question marks are used.
3. Create their own simple sentence using a question mark.

---

Duration

10 minutes

---

Lesson Materials

• Large picture of a question mark (laminated or on the board).
• Flashcards with question and statement sentences.
• A puppet or soft toy to interact with the class.
• Mini whiteboards and pens for students.
• Question mark stickers for activity completion.

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction – 2 Minutes

Engage the Class

1. Show the Question Mark: Hold up the large picture of a question mark to the class.

   • Ask: “Does anyone know what this is called?” (Encourage responses like: “question mark” or “curly thing at the end of a question!”).

2. Explain the Purpose:

   • “This is a question mark, and it is used when we ask a question. A question is when we want to find something out. For example, if I don’t know your name, I will ask, What is your name?”

3. Interact with Puppet/Soft Toy: Use the puppet to say:

   • “Hello kids! Can you show me a question mark face – like when you’re curious about something?” Let the children mimic a curious expression.

---

2. Explicit Teaching – 3 Minutes

What Do Question Marks Do?

1. Write a question on the board:

   • What is your favourite colour?
   • Underline the word what and point to the question mark.
   • Explain: “A question mark comes at the end of a question. It tells us someone is asking something.”

2. Write a statement for comparison:

   • I like blue.
   • Say: “This is not a question, so it does not need a question mark. A statement tells us something, but a question asks us something.”

3. Give Spoken Examples: Ask the class:

   • Question: “Who is wearing red socks today?”
   • Statement: “I am wearing black shoes.”

4. Introduce the Rule:

   • “Whenever you hear someone asking something, we usually need a question mark at the end of the sentence.”

---

3. Class Activity – 3 Minutes

Spot the Question Mark:

Step 1: Mix and Sort Game

• Show statements and questions on flashcards, e.g.:
  • What is your name?
  • Emma likes cake.
  • Where do you live?
  • Tom has a cat.
• Ask students to shout:
  • “Question!” when they see a question, or
  • “Statement!” when they see a statement.

Step 2: Write Your Own Question

• Hand out mini whiteboards.
• Prompt: “Write a question that you might want to ask your friends. It could start with What, Where, or Who. Don’t forget the question mark!”
• Examples they can use:
  • What is your favourite game?
  • Where is your toy?
  • Who is your teacher?
• Quickly review their responses to ensure question marks are used.

---

4. Wrap-Up – 2 Minutes

1. Quick Recap:

   • Point to the question mark picture again: “What is this called?”
   • Ask an example question to the class: “Who can tell me what a question mark does?”

2. Praise Participation:

   • “Well done, everyone! I loved your curious questions! You’re all question experts now!”

3. Reward Stickers:

   • Hand out question mark stickers to the students as a reward for participation.

---

Extension/Homework Suggestion

Ask students to think of three questions they’d like to ask their family at home. Encourage parents to listen and respond.

---

Teacher Wow Moment

The puppet (or soft toy) adds a playful element to engage students while introducing the concept of curiosity and questioning. The use of movement (acting out a question mark face) and tangible resources like stickers makes learning tactile and fun. The concise structure ensures focus in a short time frame and supports KS1 learners in mastering essential punctuation skills.