Teaching grammar is the content that typically gets thrown out when time constraints get to teachers. I was one of those teachers who didn’t always teach grammar because there just wasn’t enough time.
But now, you can teach the grammar skill of the week in a different modality and way each day, without using more than 15 minutes out of your day.
Monday: Intro Day
On Monday, you can teach the grammar skill you are going to work on that week. When you teach it, you want to make sure it is hands-on and engaging for the students. This will help them remember the standard well!
On this day, I always use an anchor chart and do some quick memorable activities to look at the skill.
Here is a great example lesson for teaching punctuation.
punctuationfreebie
Introduction: Hand out random punctuation cards. Have students then create a sentence that ends with that punctuation (ex. they would create a question if they got a question mark). Then, they will read their sentence out loud to the class and see if the class can determine what type of sentence they have. (This is also a great time to discuss fluency and how to read a sentence in different tones due to punctuation.)
Main Lesson: OPTIONAL: Read this book to the class on EPIC to talk about punctuation. Use an anchor chart to go over punctuation and capitalization together.
Closing: Have students work in groups of 2-3 and allow them to create a song to help remember the rules from the anchor chart. It could be a song, chant, or cheer!
Tuesday and Wednesday: Digital Practice Days
One of the main reasons we don’t teach enough grammar is that teachers don’t have enough time to prep more activities! Digital days can be so engaging, great practice, but also take zero prep for the teacher!
For two days, you give students 10-15 minutes to work on their slide deck for the week (some might not finish the whole deck and that is okay).
During this time, you are walking around and working with kids who need additional help with the skill.
In the slide deck, students are watching videos, practicing the skill, doing tasks cards, and even getting to play games to practice!
Thursday: Grammar in Writing
For teaching grammar, writing is always a must. Complete a writing prompt where students can focus on the grammar skill you have been working on all week long.
For example, for punctuation, you can give them a fun and engaging writing prompt like, “You have a set of minions for a week. What would you do with them?”
You give them 5 minutes to write and then you have them go through and focus on the punctuation only. Have them highlight where they used punctuation and work with a partner to decide if they used correct punctuation or if they need to make changes.
Friday: Play a Game and Assess
One way for teaching is grammar is playing games. Playing games is always a fun way to improve your grammar skills. Play jeopardy, Blooket, Kahoot, or even charades!
Then, assess the skill to see what and where your students still need work.
Teaching Grammar by Adding Extra Practice Throughout the Week
Add practice worksheets to homework, morning work, centers, etc. to give students a little extra practice on seeing and working with the skill.
Apply the Skill to Writing FOREVER
Now that students have learned and focused on that skill, you can talk about it in students’ writing throughout the year. If you taught punctuation, then they should have correct punctuation in their writing, if not, then you reteach!
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Hannah Wilde
I am so glad you’re here! I love helping 3rd-5th grade teachers by providing ideas, engaging resources, and professional development they need. I am a literacy coach who is here to help lessen the workload for teachers while making them more confident! I want students to be continually engaged in a rigorous environment!