I started teaching a unit of study on Conventions yesterday. (I really think I need a more dazzling name for this, but for now, it's going to be known as the "Conventions Unit of Study.") This entire week is going to be spent with the kids noticing how authors use punctuation in books like Mutt… Continue reading The “No Worksheet” Zone
Category: grammar
Verbs in Revision
Georgia Heard's Book The Revision Toolbox: Teaching Techniques That Work is one of the best books on the teaching of writing that I own. If it's not in your bookshelf, then click here to preview it and/or buy it (It's that good!). To that end, I decided to do one last revision lesson, before my… Continue reading Verbs in Revision
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Teaching Students to Master Conventions in a Modern Way
I read through the comments on Ruth's latest post this morning. It seems like many folks are feeling a little angst when it comes to grammar instruction. You're pulled between teaching kids grammar authentically and preparing them traditionally for tests, aren't you? I feel your pain. We know that mastering conventions is crucial if we… Continue reading Teaching Students to Master Conventions in a Modern Way
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“But I don’t have time to teach grammar!”
Ever feel like you need more time for grammar instruction, but just can't seem to find the time? That's certainly how my colleagues and I feel. Hence, one of them went off on a search for a solution. I think she found it. The solution? Getting Grammar: 150 New Ways to Teach an Old Subject,… Continue reading “But I don’t have time to teach grammar!”
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Grammar Instruction Can Be Fun!
Grammar puzzles many kids. There are a myriad of reasons for this, which can range from being an English Language Learner to having a lack of direct instruction with regard to the teaching of grammar. (Don't worry! I'm not proposing that we go back to the days of teaching kids how to diagram sentences. In… Continue reading Grammar Instruction Can Be Fun!
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Syllables, Diagramming Sentences, and Other Thoughts
I recall clapping out the syllables to words when I was very young. Did it help me as a writer? Probably? I mean, I know where to hyphenate a word when I'm actually writing with a pen (and not using a computer, which automatically breaks the word from line-to-line for me). Therefore, when I started… Continue reading Syllables, Diagramming Sentences, and Other Thoughts
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Blogs & Grammar
Two months ago Pati, one of the Slice of Life Regulars, left this comment on one of our posts: As I have been working on this “Slice of Life Challenge,” while writing my Peace Everyday Blog, I have been thinking about all of you teachers and what I expect to be your excellence in grammar.… Continue reading Blogs & Grammar
