Early Childhood & Elementary Educator
Grammar
According to Oxford Languages, grammar is the system and structure of a language.
The six areas of grammar include capitalization, sentences, punctuation, parts of speech, agreement and tenses, and reference materials. Research shows that drilling and daily oral language do not work. Grammar instruction should be explicit but embedded into writing instruction (Bendix, n.d.c).
Whole class instruction should include the introduction of new information and reviewing of old information. Small group instruction should aim to help students get their needs met. Individual instruction should be reserved for conferencing with the individual student about specific needs. Other instructional strategies include an abundance of writing, sentence diagramming, grammar, hunts, discussion, and modeling from literature (Bendix, n.d.e).
An important concept to note is the differences between revising and editing. Revising happens between the writing of the first and second drafts. This is when a student adds or changes thoughts and ideas, improves their writing, and makes their message clearer. Editing happens after the second draft. This is when things like spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, and word usage are corrected (Bendix, n.d.f)
Artifact
(Bendix, n.d.h)
Applications
Grammaropolis
This application is for intermediate students to practice grammar and parts of speech. The application offers instruction on parts of speech and punctuation through videos and quizzes.
GramMars Wars
This application is a game that works with practicing grammar. Some of the categories covered include nouns, pronouns, verbs, modifiers, tenses, and sentences.
Grammar Smash
This application is a game that instructs grammar. Some of the topics covered include different tenses, pronouns, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
Website
Link: https://study.com/academy/topic/grammar-for-elementary-school.html
This website can be used to gather information for instructing students about grammar. The website provides videos and activities for elementary school teachers to use with their students.
Intermediate Strategies & Activities
"Kernel Sentences"
Focus Skill: Grammar
Age and Reading Level: Intermediate
Description: This learning activity encourages students to practice expanding short sentences while using proper grammar.
Materials:
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Short Sentences
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Paper
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Pencils
Steps for Instruction:
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Introduce a short sentence.
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Model how to add to the short sentence using different parts of speech and grammar.
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Students suggest different parts of speech to add to the sentences.
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Students work independently or in pairs to expand sentences.
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Students share their work with small groups for feedback.
(Bendix, n.d.g)
"Grammar on the Go"
Focus Skill: Grammar
Age and Reading Level: Intermediate
Description: Students read a passage of a story and identify the nouns, verbs, and adjectives present.
Materials:
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“Grammar on the Go” Passage
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Colored Pencils
Steps for Instruction:
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Students read the passage.
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Students circle the nouns in blue.
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Students circle the verbs in red.
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Students circle the adjectives in green.
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Students record their findings in the chart at the bottom of the page.
(Bendix, n.d.d)
"FANBOYS"
Focus Skill: Compound Sentences
Age and Reading Level: Intermediate
Description: FANBOYS is an acronym that stands for for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. These are connecting words that join simple sentences to make compound sentences. The following worksheet gives students an opportunity to practice using these words.
Materials:
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FANBOYS Worksheet
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Pencils
Steps for Instruction:
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Instruct students on compound sentences and FANBOYS.
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Give students the worksheet.
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Have students complete the “on your own” portion of the worksheet.
(Bendix, n.d.b)
Sentence Combining
Focus Skill: Sentence Combining
Age and Reading Level: Intermediate
Description: Sentence combining is the process of creating more effective sentences by combining shorter, choppier sentences. This activity works on this skill.
Materials:
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“Sentence Combining” PDF
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Paper
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Pencils
Steps for Instruction:
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Read the shorter sentences on the sentence combining PDF.
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Try combining the sentences into 1-3 clear and coherent sentences.
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Keep the original details but omit repetitive words and phrases.
(Bendix, n.d.i)
"Grammar Rocks" Videos
Focus Skill: Grammar
Age and Reading Level: Intermediate
Description: These videos can help serve as a tool for introducing or reviewing specific grammar rules.
Materials:
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“Grammar Rock” Videos
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Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLluRBt7zHZhPUAAt1scCNUaXobpUTDklM
Steps for Instruction:
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Play a “Grammar Rock” video to help introduce or review a specific grammar rule.
Assessment
Assessment Title: Editing Checklist
Time Needed: 10 Minutes
Skills Being Assessed: Grammar & Editing Skills
Materials Needed:
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Student Sample of Work
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Completed Editing Checklist
Steps:
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The student follows the writing process to write a sample piece.
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The student completes the editing checklist.
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The teacher assesses how the student edited their sample piece.
(Bendix, n.d.a)
Resources
Bendix, J. (n.d.a) Editing Checklist.
Bendix, J. (n.d.b) FANBOYS.
Bendix, J. (n.d.c) Grammar Content Knowledge [PowerPoint slides]. College of Education, Winona State University. https://winona.learn.minnstate.edu/d2l/le/content/5932651/viewContent/56754949/View
Bendix, J. (n.d.d) Grammar on the Go.
Bendix, J. (n.d.e) Grammar Take 2 [PowerPoint slides]. College of Education, Winona State University. https://winona.learn.minnstate.edu/d2l/le/content/5932651/viewContent/57864752/View
Bendix, J. (n.d.f) Intermediate Writing [PowerPoint slides]. College of Education, Winona State University. https://winona.learn.minnstate.edu/d2l/le/content/5932651/viewContent/57864749/View
Bendix, J. (n.d.g) Kernel Sentences.
Bendix, J. (n.d.h) Sentence Combining.
Bendix, J. (n.d.i) Sentence Combining 2.