Comma Jobs

Commas after an opening phrase or clause (After the game, / When the bell rang,), for direct address (Sam, wait!), and after yes and no.

Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.

What children learn in Level 40

Commas tell a reader to pause. Here are three of their jobs.
Job one: after an opening part. After the game, we went out for pizza. When the bell rang, everyone ran outside.
Job two: to set off the name of someone you're talking to. Sam, wait for me! Can you help me, Grandpa?
A comma can change everything! Let's eat, Grandma, means come eat, Grandma. Without the comma, it sounds like you want to eat Grandma!
Job three: after yes or no at the start of a sentence. Yes, I packed the snacks. No, thank you.

Georgia's K-12 English Language Arts Standards:

4.L.GC.1.40 — Mechanics: Use commas after introductory phrases or clauses. (Continue)
4.L.GC.1.36 — Mechanics: Use commas to indicate direct address and to set off the words yes and no. (Master)