Punctuation Poker: Teacher-Created and Student-Approved! 

As a high school Special Education and English Language Arts teacher, I understand that secondary students still need direct instruction in order to use grammar and punctuation correctly. After watching my students struggle with word usage and mechanics, I set out to create engaging, effective, and fun tools to help them understand and remember the rules of writing. This “Punctuation Poker” game is one of my favorite creations, and I’m confident you and your students will love it, too!

In addition to strengthening students’ everyday writing skills, playing Punctuation Poker is also a great way to help them prepare for PSAT, SAT, and NWEA tests!

Approximately 25% of the PSAT/SAT Writing and Language sections are dedicated to grammar and punctuation, and a substantial portion of the NWEA test assesses similar skills. 

Even if your students don’t plan to take the aforementioned tests, writing well is a foundational life skill that is valuable far beyond the classroom, so I’m confident you and your students will find this resource valuable. 

The Problem: High school students often struggle with grammar and punctuation. Despite years of instruction, they face challenges with sentence structure, clarity, and the rules of writing. Teachers know these skills are essential not only for academic success but also for life beyond the classroom. However, traditional methods can feel dry and ineffective, leaving both teachers and students frustrated.

The Solution: Introducing Punctuation Poker! Designed by a veteran high school Special Education and English Language Arts teacher, this engaging and interactive game helps students master punctuation in a way that sticks. By transforming dry lessons into a competitive, dopamine-filled activity, Punctuation Poker keeps students actively involved and excited about learning.

Why It Works:

• Engagement Through Play: Studies show that when learning is fun, retention improves. Punctuation Poker combines competition, critical thinking, and teamwork, creating an environment where students are motivated to succeed.

• Immediate Results: Students receive instant feedback, reinforcing their understanding of grammar rules and mechanics. The game format ensures every student participates actively.

• Applicable Skills: This resource prepares students for the PSAT, SAT, and NWEA Writing and Language sections—and for life. Writing well is a foundational skill that opens doors to future opportunities.  

What You Get:

• A complete, ready-to-use game in PDF format with 100 grammar and punctuation questions plus an answer key with brief explanations for each answer. 

• Printable playing cards and poker chips (I use inexpensive plastic poker chips from Walmart and Amazon, but if you don’t want to spend money, you can use the printable poker chips included or simply use dried beans, paper clips, etc as game tokens.) 

• Detailed directions for use with small or large groups

• Link to access the 100 game questions via Google Slides (Don't want to print? Save paper by projecting the slides on the board!) 

• Over 40 pages of bonus resources to teach grammar and mechanics

Benefits for Teachers:

• Save countless hours of planning time  

• Watch your students genuinely ENGAGE with and LEARN from the game

• Watch your students’ writing skills improve as their confidence soars 

• Prepare your students for PSAT/SAT and NWEA assessments 

Why This Resource? Other grammar resources might provide practice, but Punctuation Poker creates lasting results. Students enjoy it. Teachers see measurable growth. Everyone wins.

WANT TO TAKE A CLOSER PEEK INSIDE BEFORE YOU BUY? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A FREE PREVIEW OF PUNCTUATION POKER. 

Download now and play today!