The Right Way and the Right Time to Teach Grammar
Grammar - the backbone of language, the foundation upon which our words and sentences stand. It is the compass that guides us in navigating the vast ocean of communication. Yet, the debate over how and when to teach grammar has raged on for years. Is there a right way and right time to teach grammar? Let's delve into this topic and explore the nuances of grammar instruction.
The Right Way - Identity vs. Do
Traditional grammar instruction often focuses on identifying parts of speech, memorizing rules, and correcting errors. While this approach can provide a basic understanding of grammar, it may not foster a deeper understanding of how grammar works in context. A more effective approach is to teach grammar in the context of writing and communication, rather than as isolated rules to memorize.
One effective approach is the "Do" method, which emphasizes teaching grammar through the lens of ownership. For example, instead of teaching "This is a verb," teachers can encourage students to "Do" verbs by actively engaging in activities that involve using verbs in writing and speaking. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their language and understand how grammar serves as a tool for effective communication.
The Right Time - Roughly 3rd - 4th Grade
When it comes to the right time to teach grammar, research suggests that around 3rd or 4th grade is an ideal time. By this age, students have developed a solid foundation in reading and writing and are ready to delve deeper into the mechanics of language. However, it's important to note that the right time may vary depending on individual students' readiness and developmental levels.
How Long - As Long as You Want
There is no fixed timeline for teaching grammar. Some educators argue that grammar instruction should be integrated into writing instruction throughout a student's academic journey, while others believe that a focused period of grammar instruction followed by ongoing practice is more effective. The key is to strike a balance that meets the needs of individual students and aligns with instructional goals.
The Grammar Debate
The debate over grammar instruction has been ongoing for decades. The so-called "war on grammar" arose from the belief that teaching grammar does not necessarily improve students' writing skills. As a result, some schools and educators minimized or even eliminated grammar instruction from their curricula. However, this approach has sparked controversy, with proponents of grammar instruction arguing that it is essential for effective communication.
Absolutely Right Changes
Language is ever-evolving, and what may be considered "absolutely right" in grammar today may not be the case in the future. Grammar rules change over time, and language is a living entity that reflects the society and culture in which it exists. As such, it's crucial to recognize that grammar is not set in stone, but rather a fluid and dynamic aspect of language that evolves with time.
Correct vs. Wrong
The notion of "correct" versus "wrong" grammar can be subjective and context-dependent. While grammar rules provide a framework for effective communication, there are often variations and exceptions based on dialect, region, and even personal style. It's important to teach students that while there are standard rules of grammar, language is flexible and can adapt to different contexts and audiences.
Prescriptive vs. Descriptive
Traditional grammar instruction has often taken a prescriptive approach, dictating rules that students must follow. However, a more effective approach is to adopt a descriptive approach that focuses on how language is used in real-world contexts. This allows students to understand how grammar functions in different contexts and empowers them to make informed language choices based on their communication goals.
The Goal of Teaching Grammar
The ultimate goal of grammar is to write with clarity, ensuring that our communication is accurate and understandable. Just as dressing well can create a positive perception, using grammar correctly enhances our writing and how others perceive us as writers. Grammar is not just about adhering to rules, but it is also an art and an abstract form of language arts. It requires understanding when to use certain grammatical rules and how they can be applied effectively to convey meaning. Like any other skill, grammar improves with practice. By consistently applying grammar rules and practicing writing, we can become better writers and communicate more effectively. With a clear understanding of grammar, we can convey our thoughts and ideas accurately, create a positive impression as writers, and enhance our overall communication skills. Grammar is not just a set of rules, but it is also an art that requires practice and mastery to excel in the world of writing. So, let's strive to use grammar effectively to write with clarity, professionalism, and precision.
Essentials EEL Student Notebook
Essentials is the bridge program where students began to become more independent in their studies. Before you have a party hear me out! You have to set them up properly to do this. They need to have access to all of the tasks you want them to accomplish. You are not in the clear yet. Essentials takes management, close follow up and lots of conversations. Here is one way you can set your student up for Community Days and work at home.
In the video, I reference the Classical Conversations subscription program called CC Connected. Out of respect for Classical Conversations Copyright, I can not post links to the referenced pages or resources taken from CC Connected. I will do my best to compile a list of usernames and filenames I have downloaded and references.
The Essentials of the English Language (EEL) Guide
Its big, it comes shrink wrapped and 3 hole punched. You have to purchase it from Classical Conversations. You must be enrolled in a community to purchase it. It is required resources.
Once you get this beast of a guide you need to put it into a binder and put some tabs on it. First a few notes about putting it into a binder. My first year I put every single page into a slipcover. The next year I took all the slipcovers off. My husband just shook his head and said, "I am not even going to ask." It all depends on how you like to use your "teacher guides." Do you like to write in them or on them? Some people like to put 6 weeks at a time into smaller binders so it is more manageable. I have seen some guides spiral bound! After 5 years I have no slipcovers and everything in one binder. Keeping it simple.
Before you tab your guide and start marking it all up let me give you an overview of what is in your guide.
(Actually, pick one color tab and place it on the top of each of these pages. Write the bolded word on the tab.)
Page 9 Part 1 - The Expedition
You need to read this. It will communicate the heart and vision behind the Essentials program.
Page 19 Part II - The Itinerary
This is the nuts and bolts of the program. It's in here that you get what to do each week, Scope and Sequences etc. No need to read this straight through. Take a look and familiarize yourself with the format. I will share more about this section later.
Page 395 Part III - The Gear
I do recommend putting these pages in slipcovers as you will be using them quite frequently. Believe it or not you and your student will know and understand all of these charts by the end of the year.
Page 443 Part IV - The Excursions
This section contains advanced charts and a spelling program option. If you have a spelling program you use feel free to continue with it. If you do not you may utilize this one.
Now that you have put tabs on the major sections of the Guide lets add some more.
Select another color tab. You will be writing on them Wk 1, Wk 2, Wk 3, Wk 4 and so forth to week 24. Week 1's lesson starts on page 27. Put the Wk 1 tab on the top right corner. Week 2 begins on page 35, place its tab on the top right corner slightly lower. Keep working through all 24 weeks.
Finally, select a different color and tab the following pages that are important to note or good gems to know about.
- Page 20 Offers 0ne page at a glance of the Scope and Sequence.
- Page 51 - In week 3 there are several pages devoted to explaining the process of the Analytical Task Sheet
- Page 396 - A Glossary of Abbreviations for Diagraming
- Page 397 - Snapshot what charts to study and on what days.
- Page 435 - Snapshot of the weekly sentences
- Page 437 - A blank Copy of the Analytical Task Sheet
- Page 439 & 441 - Quid et Quo Worksheet
- Page 445 - 8 Parts of Speech Definitions
- Page 457 - Section on Punctuation & Capitalization Rules
- Page 461 - Spelling Rules and Lists
That's your guide set up and ready for you the teacher to use. Each week before class take a few moments to read the lessons. Make notes about what you don't understand. It is highly likely your tutor will answer your questions in class. If they don't ask! Every tutor wants parents to go home feeling equipped to help their student. Note: Your tutor does not have anything you do not have.
Now let's move on to getting your student set up with a student binder.
Essentials - Watch this First!
This video will encourage you on your Essentials journey. Whether you are just getting started and trying to figure it all out or if you are entering your 8th year. Take a moment in the midst of your planning and remember the why behind the what.
“God Wastes Nothing”
Why is Essentials Such a Beast?!
There is no one way to "set up and do" Essentials correctly. This video will encourage you to find your flow. Know your personal work style and how your student learns best.
IEW - History Based Writing Vocabulary
If you are diving into the world of IEW using the History Based Writing supplement make sure you get all you can out of the program. Aside from great source texts and helpful checklists dont miss the Vocabulary. Andrew Pudewea says, " You can't get something out of the brain that hasn't been put in there first. In this vlog I'll show how to the study and use the vocabulary during your writing times.
Essentials - Mechanics of IEW, TWSS, HBW
When you start Essentials many new terms and acronyms get used. This video will explain all the terminology of the writing portion of Essentials. It will also break down the materials you need for the IEW portion of the class.
“Thinking is asking yourself questions”
First Year Essentials Management
If you are embarking on your first year of Essentials I want to encourage you. YOU CAN DO IT! I am sure there are a few of you who got this. But the other 99% percent of us might be hyperventilating. This Essentials stuff is where the rubber meets the road and homeschool starts to get hard! Here are a few tips and tricks to get you and your student through.
1. During the first year focus on the Charts. Memorize the charts. Learn the charts. Quiz the charts. Spend 15 min on each of your school days learning theses. Copy them, sing them, chant them, create dance moves for them. Do whatever works for your child. If you put in the work to memorize the charts it will pay off in the years to come. Did I say only spend 15 min working on charts? Yes! Make a deal with your student if they will focus on the task at hand for 15 min they will be done, with that task.
2. After week 3 you will be completing an Analytical Task Sheet with 1-5 sentences a week. Your goal should be sentenced numbers 1-3 for this first year. You will be focusing on the charts, add in 1-3 sentences per week. Allow another 15 min to complete the assigned sentence on each of your school days.
Note: Your total time on Essentials is at 30 min.
Note the page number in the picture is 467, newer guides it will be 469
3. Don't forget spelling. There is a spelling program in the Essentials Guide and you can use that or use one that works for you. Remember that your student still needs a solid foundation in spelling. (Spend another 15 min to work spelling)
Now your total time for Essentials is 45 per school day. I allow an additional 15 min a day for further discussion, going off schedule or a possible slow work day. This is a 1 hour total for Essentials grammar 2-3 times a week. This is enough time to cover all you need to do in your first year.
The next step is managing the IEW workload!