Punctuation Marks Scavenger Hunt: A Low-Prep Activity for First Graders

Learning the different punctuation marks can be difficult for our young students. It is definitely not a “one and done” learning skill either! In my experience, students need constant revisiting of the different punctuation marks – what they are, when to use them, etc. Punctuation is important for students to learn so they can understand the meaning of a text and read more fluently. I’m going to share a fun, low prep activity for teaching or reviewing punctuation that you can implement today!

Punctuation Marks Scavenger Hunt

This is a very low prep activity. I used to do a very similar activity with my sons when they were younger and learning letters. All you need are post-it notes!

Write different punctuation marks on post-its (or make them on Word and print them out). First, draw the 3 punctuation marks (period, question mark, exclamation point) on the board in a table format. Then, stick the Post-its around the room for your students to find. They stick them under the correct punctuation mark on the board when they find them. This activity is perfect for when you are introducing the different punctuation marks and aren’t yet learning quite how to use them. Keep reading for what to do next!

How To Differentiate A Punctuation Scavenger Hunt

This simple activity is very easy to differentiate for the different learners in your classroom.

For students who can identify the punctuation marks, but need help with when to use them, you can write 3 different sentences (one for each punctuation mark but leave off the punctuation mark) on the board. Students will stick the post-it to the correct sentence.

Now, flip it. Write different sentences on post-it notes (or again type them in Word and print). Write the 3 different punctuation marks on the board. Students will find a sentence around the room and then stick them to the correct punctuation mark.

For struggling students, you may want to partner them up to work with a peer. It may also help to use simpler sentences.

Sentences To Use

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with simple sentences to use so don’t worry, we have you covered!

Statements:

The chair is red.
That book was okay.
I like your shirt.
Please take this to the office.
It is nice outside.

Questions:

Do you like this book?
What is your favorite color?
When is your birthday?
Where is the pencil?
How are you?

Exclamations:

Ouch!
Hurray!
It’s my birthday!
Oh no!
I can’t wait!

Try Our 3 Free Punctuation Activities

Want more punctuation resources?! Click here to download 3 free punctuation activities!

Leave a comment if you try out the punctuation scavenger hunt! It’s definitely low prep but high rewards!

Prep Fun Punctuation Activities For The Year!

You can prep fun, engaging activities for teaching and reviewing punctuation for the entire year with our bundle. It includes activities for fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, winter, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, spring, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and summer.