Mastering Compound Sentences in the Classroom: A FANBOYS-Fuelled Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Coordinating Conjunctions

When it comes to sentence fluency and writing with confidence, coordinating conjunctions are the unsung heroes. They're small, but mighty — joining ideas, thoughts, and clauses to create compound sentences that make student writing stronger and clearer.

This blog post is your go-to guide on what coordinating conjunctions are, how to teach them in engaging ways, and how to display them in your classroom with style. If you’re a teacher on the hunt for functional classroom decor that actually supports learning, this one is for you.

What are Coordinating Conjunctions?

Coordinating conjunctions are used to link words, phrases, or independent clauses that are grammatically equal. You might know them by the acronym FANBOYS:
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Each coordinating conjunction serves a different purpose—whether it's showing contrast, offering a choice, or adding ideas. For example:

I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
Would you like tea or coffee?

Importantly, different parts of the world vary in their use of commas with coordinating conjunctions. Teaching students the correct way, in line with the curriculum you use is incredibly important.

Discussing (where age appropriate) the idea that other parts of the world do things differently will assist when students are reading a wide variety of literature.

A Functional and Stylish Display for the Classroom

The Coordinating Conjunctions Display is designed to help students remember what each FANBOYS word means — and how to use it effectively.

Each coordinating conjunction is clearly explained with a definition and a sample sentence (choose between with a comma or without, acknowledging international grammar conventions).

Even better? The display comes in two versatile layouts so you can choose whether to run it horizontally or vertically on your wall. And with multiple colour ways, it integrates beautifully into any classroom theme.

Note: FANBOYS Neutral Classroom Decor pictured above.

To support student writing beyond the wall, matching bookmarks are included. These desk-sized references are ideal for use during writing tasks—because sometimes, a little reminder goes a long way.

Fun and Interactive Ways to Teach Coordinating Conjunctions

Let’s face it—grammar can feel dry unless it’s brought to life. Here are some teacher-tested activities that get students up, collaborating, and having fun while learning about coordinating conjunctions:

1. Write and Swap (GTT Activity)

Pair students up. One writes the first independent clause, and the other writes the second. They choose a coordinating conjunction from the FANBOYS set to link their ideas. Then, share and discuss: was the correct conjunctions used? Was there a conjunction that better suited the need/context?

2. Build the Wall Together

Use your coordinating conjunction display as a living wall. Ask students to write their own examples for each conjunction and add them to the wall as a class collection. This co-construction approach makes learning visible—and personal.

3. Conjunction Hunt

Have students find examples of coordinating conjunctions in their reading books or class novels. They can write them on sticky notes and match them to the correct conjunction on the wall display.

4. Conjunction Connect

Turn it into a game: place coordinating conjunction cards in a jar. Students draw one and must use it to join two original thoughts. Challenge them to do it with and without a comma.

Why This Teacher Resource Works

This isn’t just classroom decor — it’s a functional teacher resource designed to be referenced and used daily. It supports grammar instruction, encourages independence in writing, and creates consistency across the classroom. Plus, its flexible design means you can adapt it to your classroom setup and aesthetic.

Ready to Hang, Ready to Help

Whether you’re revamping your writing wall or just looking for a teacher resource that helps your students grasp coordinating conjunctions with clarity and confidence, this display (plus bookmarks) makes grammar visual, memorable, and meaningful.