Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal :Katie Vanko EDRL 524 Fall 2014

Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Katie Vanko EDRL 524 Fall 2014

Grammar and punctation…When teachers think about teaching classes isolated skills, many visualize tired, groaning students.

“Oh no, not more grammar worksheets!”

“Who even remembers all of these rules anyway?”

Unfortunately, educators hear these phrases too often. 

Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal creatively introduces students to punctuation marks!  The children’s fictional picture book is a story about an exclamation mark who always stands out.  He does not understand his own identity and where he fits into sentences.  He sees periods, commas, and question marks, wishing he could be like those punctuation marks.  

Fortunately, the lost exclamation mark meets a friend that shows him he is amazing just as he is!  He realizes that he has a function.  He can show emotion, excitement, or even fear!  This book teaches audiences about punctuation marks, and life lessons.  The author’s purpose is to show readers that it is great to be a unique individual.  We are all capable of achieving great things in life, and we can adapt to many situations.   The book reaches all genders, cultures, and ages.  It is very simply written with neutral colors and pictures.  Never have I seen a book that teaches readers about using punctuation marks while sending readers a message about self-discovery/confidence.  I recommend this book for teachers and students of all grade levels.  While it may be more entertaining for younger students, I think it could have a place in upper elementary and middle school classrooms.