Using FANBOYS to Connect Ideas

GrammarSongs by Melissa

This educational video provides a clear and structured introduction to coordinating conjunctions, a fundamental part of English grammar. Utilizing a whiteboard animation style, the narrator defines what a conjunction is and specifically focuses on the seven coordinating conjunctions used to connect words, phrases, and clauses. The video introduces the popular mnemonic device "FANBOYS" to help students memorize the list: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So. The video breaks down each of the seven conjunctions individually, explaining their specific functions—such as showing cause, combining ideas, or expressing contrast—and providing sentence examples for each. It further demonstrates how these conjunctions operate at different levels of sentence structure, showing how they can join simple words (e.g., "chocolate or vanilla"), phrases (e.g., "down the slide and over the fence"), and complete sentences (independent clauses). Ideally suited for upper elementary students, this resource is excellent for language arts instruction focused on sentence fluency and writing mechanics. Teachers can use this video to introduce the concept of compound sentences, help students move beyond simple sentence structures, and provide a memorable tool for self-editing their writing to make it less "choppy."