Pesky Apostrophes? Elusive Ellipses? Here's Help.

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Lauren Barack -- School Library Journal, 09/21/2009

If you're a teacher or librarian who feels like a last guardian of the semicolon, there’s a holiday tailored just for you.

The sixth annual National Punctuation Day arrives September 24, a chance for anyone enamored with commas and ellipses to celebrate these cornerstones of grammar and perhaps help those who are a bit challenged in that area.

“It has struck a chord,” says Jeff Rubin (pictured), founder of the holiday and a journalist who had grown so frustrated by the number of grammar and punctuation errors he found in his line of work that he decided to act.

Since starting the holiday, Rubin has heard from educators all over the country thanking him. Students have created games to help celebrate the day, and fans have even developed a punctuation meat loaf recipe. Rubin himself launched a baking contest this year, offering prizes to those who submit a photo of their punctuation-themed treats.

Rubin believes it’s easy to inspire kids when it comes grammar, breaking into his own rendition of "Frère Jacques," entitled "Punctuation, Punctuation," as an example of a way to excite younger students. In these days of text messaging and email shorthand, he believes encouraging students to use proper grammar is more critical than ever.

“There’s a lot of controversy,” says Rubin. “Some teachers don’t care what [students are writing] as long as they’re writing. But I feel like there’s a right way and a wrong way. If you let them slide, then they’re taking remedial English in college.”

For those hoping to steer their students back on the punctuation track, here are some ways to celebrate the day and maybe refresh themselves as well on those pesky apostrophes:

Punctuation Bingo

Utah Education Network’s Looking At Punctuation

Punctuation Paintball

BBC’s Making Sentences Games