Grammar needn't be a word that inspires eye rolling amongst students. Show students that English grammar and the eight parts of speech in all they read. Teachers know that teaching grammar is important because when students grasp the foundation of language, they improve their spoken and written communication. Empower students with this information, and then start a dialogue focusing on grammar.
Grammatical terms and patterns cannot be covered through one lesson plan or unit, so it they should be taught through a continuum of discussion and gradual advancement of difficulty. Because English grammar is in all parts of writing and reading, use complete immersion for teaching. Follow Bloom's Taxonomy as you introduce concepts in English grammar and parts of speech.
Knowledge
Acknowledge that students already possess knowledge of grammar even though they may not know it. Students who read and write have an understanding of English grammar, such as parts of speech and parts of a sentence. Start with the basics, and show students examples of words that describe, words that are objects or people, and words that show action from within their textbooks and their writing.
Comprehension
Define the eight parts of speech — nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections. Have students create posters with a definition and an example for each part of speech to display in the classroom display. After students comprehend the terms, apply them to their reading by pointing out examples.
Application
Apply terms to sentence structures and examine where basic sentence parts fall. Explain that parts of speech are used in different parts of a sentence. For example, a noun can be in the subject, direct object, predicate word, indirect object or object of a preposition position. Build these ideas naturally, as the class sees them while reading. Students understand complex topics like grammar better when ideas are taught in context.
Analysis
Show how punctuation rules work to make a text easier to read. Explain punctuation within quotation marks. Demonstrate the different uses for a semicolon. Analyze situations that provide contradictions and exceptions to rules. For instance, discuss commas and their tricks. Look at the debate over serial commas. Show students that grammar has leeway, and some ideas are debatable.
Synthesis
Students will differentiate between different grammatical parts, and "tear apart" sentences to decide which sub-types these parts are. You may need to return to memorizing charts as students' knowledge of grammar progresses. For instance, students may recognize a word as a pronoun, but they will need to learn the difference between subjective, nominative and objective pronouns as well as the singular and plural form of each. Knowing the type of pronoun will aid in understanding proper pronoun use, such as using the objective form for the object of a preposition.
Evaluation
As you continue teaching grammar, students will recognize that grammatical formations differ enough to have different names. Begin adding more difficult grammatical sub-parts (such as verbals) as students show the ability to evaluate the basics and make informed decisions concerning syntax. Review the eight parts of speech as necessary and continue explaining grammar in all forms of communication.
Language arts classes too often lack English grammar instruction. Knowing the foundation of a language provides learning opportunities beyond schoolwork. Grammar should not be taught as an individual unit of instruction. Instead, teach it every day so students realize it is part of their language, and that they can understand it.
Lauralee Moss - Lauralee Moss holds an MA in Teaching and a BS in English. She has taught in the public school system for a decade.
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