Conjunction lessons are a must for any language student! While conjunction comes naturally in the process of learning the English language, kids’ studies of English conjunctions need not be difficult or dull. In fact, conjunctions are so frequently occurring in the English language that teaching conjunction to kids can be a very relatable and fun process. 

Conjunction definition for kids:-

For kids, it is easy to explain that a conjunction is a “joining word” that connects two or more words or groups of words and clauses in a sentence. Many conjunctions are high-frequency words, like “and,” that children in kindergarten and first grade can understand and use. Even in the second grade, you can keep practising spelling conjunctions, but they are not taught as grammar usually until the third grade. Using a conjunctions list that is right for their grade level and pairing it with games and activities for kids can help them remember this important information and grow as readers and writers.

Types of conjunctions for kids:-

There are three types of conjunctions that kids should learn, viz. coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and relative conjunctions.

• Coordinating conjunctions are used to link things that are the same in grammar, like two words, two phrases, or two separate clauses. For, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so are the seven connecting words in English. You can remember them with the mnemonic FANBOYS- for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

• Words like because, if, although, since, until, and while are examples of subordinating conjunctions. A dependent clause is introduced by a subordinating conjunction. In contrast to an independent clause, a dependent clause, also called a subordinate clause, is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause can’t stand on its own, so it must always go with an independent clause. The subordinating conjunction shows how the two clauses relate to each other.

• Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs and are used to connect parts of a sentence that are the same in terms of grammar. There are many common pairs of words, such as either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, and both/and. Most of the time, you shouldn’t put a comma between the two things.

Conjunction examples for kids:-

Kids can first learn that the three most common conjunctions (and, or, and but) are coordinating conjunctions that join two or more sentences into one. For example, “The water was warm, but I didn’t go swimming” is a compound sentence made up of two or more related sentences. They learn when to use each of these three common ways to connect words, clauses, or sentences: to add information (and), to show a choice (or), and to show a difference (but). Early on in the learning process, these three words should be at the top of every list of conjunctions.

Later, after mastering the three coordinating conjunctions, kids can graduate to start learning how to use subordinating conjunctions like “although,” “because,” “if,” “when,” “before,” “after,” “while,” “whether,” “since,” and “until” (I went swimming although the water was freezing). Students learn that there are many more subordinating conjunctions than coordinating conjunctions. Word study of conjunction lists should continue to introduce more subordinating conjunctions and give students chances to use and identify correlative conjunctions. Combining games for kids and interactive activities can help students remember what they’ve learned while making learning fun.

Conjunction exercise for kids:-

Complete each sentence using the subordinating conjunction from the parenthesis:

I visit the Grand Canyon _________ I go to Arizona. (once, whenever, wherever)

This is the place _________ we stayed last time we visited. (where, when, how)

_________ you win first place, you will receive a prize. (wherever, if, unless)

You won’t pass the test _________ you study. (when, if, unless)

Complete each sentence using the correct correlative conjunction pair from the parenthesis:

I plan to take my vacation _________ in June _________ in July. (whether / or, either / or, as / if)

_________ I’m feeling happy _________ sad, I try to keep a positive attitude. (either / or, whether / or, when / I’m)

_________ had I taken my shoes off _________ I found out we had to leave again. (no sooner / than, rather / than, whether / or)

_________ only is dark chocolate delicious, _________ it can be healthy. (whether / or, not / but, just as / so)

Complete each sentence using the correct coordinating conjunction from the parenthesis:

My car has a radio _________ a CD player. (but, or, and)

Sharon hates to listen to rap music, _________ will she tolerate heavy metal. (but, nor, or)

Carol wanted to drive to Colorado, _________ Bill insisted that they fly. (and, or, but)

I’m afraid of heights, _________ I appreciate the view from the top of this building. (and, yet, nor)

FAQs

1. How can I help my child learn conjunctions?

Ans– Play games! Hide toys and then give clues using conjunctions to find them: “Go under the bed and then look behind the door.” Read stories together and point out the conjunctions. You can even make silly sentences together by adding random conjunctions!

2. My child keeps forgetting which conjunction to use. What can I do?

Ans– Use visuals! Draw pictures or use objects to represent different conjunctions. For example, draw a fork on a plate for “and” and two separate plates for “or.” Practice using the conjunctions in everyday conversations, pointing them out in books and signs.

3. Some conjunctions sound similar, like “and” and “an.” How can I help my child differentiate?

Ans– Focus on their meaning and use first. Then, slowly practice the sounds and spelling once they’re comfortable with the concept. Read slowly and clearly, emphasizing the difference in pronunciation.

Remember, learning conjunctions is a fun journey! Make it playful, engaging, and celebrate their progress. Soon, your child will be weaving words together like a master storyteller!

Bonus Tip: Encourage your child to create their own stories or poems using different conjunctions. This helps them solidify their understanding and be creative with language!