As a separate subject or within writing?
Do you use worksheets or student writing to teach grammar skills?
Michelle presented a very convincing case for teaching grammar skills within the context of writing and not as a separate subject. It has shown that students who learn grammar through worksheets or DOL-type activities generally do not transfer those skills over to their writing.
So how can you teach grammar in your writing block?
- Carefully analyze student work to see which skills are lacking. Let these observations inform your instruction.
- Use mentor texts to study the use of grammar such as prepositional phrases, adjectives, or strong verbs. Discuss how these grammar concepts contribute to the quality of the writing.
- Use your own writing (through modeling) to demonstrate the good use of grammar and how it contributes to the message you are trying to communicate.
With less and less time in our day and more and more things we need to teach, it makes sense to teach grammar in an authentic, relatable way by incorporating it into our writing time. Just think of all the natural mini-lessons that will emerge!
I'd love to hear what you think about teaching grammar!
I'd also like to congratulate Lizzy for winning my Rafflecopter contest! Lizzy has won a $10 Amazon gift card and one of my Writer's Notebook Divider Page packs. Thanks to everyone for entering!
Tomorrow, I am presenting my BIG inquiry project (75 minutes -- Yikes!!) on how to use mentor texts to revise writing. I hope you will check back this weekend for the details. I'm off to put the finishing touches on my Powerpoint! Wish me luck!!!
