from Lauren Davis www.eyeoneducation.com
1. Teach grammar in the context of writing.
Grammar shouldn't be taught in a separate isolated
incident. Think of a way to incorporate
grammar mini-lessons into your writing lessons.
2. Teach grammar in the context of reading.
Use mentor texts. Show students how fiction and nonfiction
writers uses grammar to communicate clearly and create their own style.
3. Help students figure out the grammar rule, not memorize it.
If you’re teaching concise language, give students a few
wordy sentences and ask them to remove the weeds. Have them come up with the rules for
eliminating wordiness.
4. Teach students real-world grammar and not just textbook
grammar.
In the real world, grammar rules can change over time and can be
subjective or contested.
5. Don’t teach students grammar; teach them how to learn
grammar.
Students need to know how to be independent learners who can
figure things out on their own by consulting resources.
6. Show students how grammar can affect our impressions of one
another.
Have a discussion with students about grammar in the real
world. If a fancy store has a mistake on
its sign, does that affect your impression?
Why? Why not?
7. Avoid negative modeling when possible.
Be careful not to spend too much time on the wrong way to
wrote something.
8. Teach students the rules – and when to break them.
As Churchill famously said, “There is some nonsense up with
which I will not put!”
9. Teach students the importance of audience and purpose.
Students should consider audience and purpose when
deciding to use formal or informal grammar.
