Teaching Grammar that Sticks
Teaching grammar is something that I have grown to love over the past few years. That might sound odd because many kids (and teachers!) hate grammar. At the beginning, so did I! But I have learned a few things about teaching grammar that have made all the difference.
1. Grammar is Logical! I know that the English language can be... tricky. However, most grammar patterns follow a specific sequence. This is a great area for students who are typically mathematically inclined to shine in ELA. Grammar is one of the most unambiguous areas of ELA which is refreshing for students who like formulas.
2. I Do, We Do, You Do- This model is tried and true. I teach the grammar strategy explicitly and then provide a reference sheet. Then, we complete several examples together. Finally, students begin to practice on their own. This is where the reference sheet becomes super important because grammar can be tricky and a reference sheet provides an excellent starting ground. It also give students confidence to work successfully on their own. Like training wheels, the reference sheet should support the student until they can practice successfully on their own.
3. You Do... A Lot! I think this is the most important component of grammar instruction. Students need time and opportunities to practice... and a lot! I think that we've moved into a new phase where teachers believe that students should just experience content for a short period of time because they can look it up online. Regardless of the number of google searches and reference materials, teaching students to write and speak properly will help them in ALL FACETS OF LIFE. Grammar is critical! Students need to KNOW it. Not just know how to look it up. For this reason, I often extend our 1-week units to 2 weeks. It isn't about passing a test or cramming information. It is about teaching it well so that students truly learn it.
4. Assess Simply- Assessments should be practical and logical. I use ten question assessments so that I can track students' scores easily. Then, I chart students' scores for each unit so that I can see what we need to go back to. Grammar assessments should model instruction. They should also model grade-level content. The assessments shouldn't throw in skills that the students are not ready for. There are some grammar skills that I even have to research and I'm an English teacher! Students do not need to be tested on all the intricate details. They need to demonstrate their understanding of the meats and potatoes. Everything else makes for a great classroom challenge that can be completed together.
5. Track Progress and Review- As stated above, I keep a spreadsheet of students' grammar scores so that they can go back and demonstrate mastery for any missed skills. Additionally, students need to know what skill the are learning. They need to know what nouns and participles are, not just how to identify a random word for one week.
For one of my grammar unit freebies, click below:
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