Full Description
"Andrew and Evelyn Rothstein have given teachers a model for teaching the structure of our language with fun and interesting strategies that can be used at all grade levels. They show teachers how to take grammar instruction from a stand-alone subject to an integral part of a complete literacy program."
—Kim Whitling, Fifth-Grade Inclusion Teacher
Franklinville Central School, NY
Build strong grammar skills to help students become better readers, writers, and communicators!
With today's diverse and standards-driven classroom environment, teachers are eager for a new approach to grammar instruction—one that builds understanding of the structure and nuances of English. This practical guide points the way to fun, engaging, and effective grammar teaching for Grades K-12.
Designed for classroom teachers, this resource covers grammar fundamentals that support vocabulary and writing skills. Readers will discover teaching strategies that encourage creativity and critical thought, based on a realistic approach to children's language development. This guide provides:
Clear explanations of grammatical terms as a refresher for teachers
Easy-to-implement classroom activities, including examples and word play from children's literature
Appropriate techniques for a broad audience of students, with specific suggestions for English language learners
Background on the development of English as a global language, promoting students' respect for diverse cultures
A teaching approach that supports the National Council of Teachers of English standards for English language arts
Help your students develop a deep understanding of English grammar and build a solid foundation for academic achievement and lifelong communications skills.
Contents
Preface
Our Point of View
Objectives and Key Points
Publisher's Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. Introduction
The Premise of This Book
What Do We Mean by Grammar?
The History of Teaching Grammar in the United States of America
Current Standards Related to Teaching Grammar
2. Language and Metalanguage
Overview of the Terms Language and Metalanguage
A Brief History of the English Language
Internet Sites
3. Builders of Linguistic Intelligence
Phonology
Morphology
Syntax
Semantics
Etymology
Internet Sites
4. Parts of Speech and the English Language
Teaching English Through the Structure of the English Language
Morphological and Non-Morphological Words
Expanding Definitions of Parts of Speech
Organizing and Naming the Verb Conjugation Forms
Verbs by Categories
The Adjective in the English Language
The Adverb in the English Language
Internet Sites
5. Syntax and Semantics
Getting Meaning
Sentences and Semantics
Internet Sites
6. The Polyglot of English
The Latin "DNA"
Terms for Understanding the Structures of Words and Parts of Words
Getting Meaning by Sorting and Clarifying
Internet Sites
7. The Polyglot: Beyond Latin and Greek
Ich Spreche Deutsch - The Germanic Connection
The French Connection - The Year 1066
Hablo Espanol - I Speak Spanish
Yiddish or Yinglish
Worlwide Contributions- African Americans, American Indians, East Indians
Contributions From China and Japan
Internet Sites
8. Return to Parts of Speech
The Small Words
Internet Sites
9. Sentences, Paragraphs, and Other Structures of the Written Language
Converting Spoken Sentences to Written Sentences
Working With Sentence Units
Finding Sentence Boundaries in Written Sentences
"Deconstructing" Sentences to Find Their Deep Structure Meaning
Subjects and Predicates
Tenses and Agreement
Verb Agreement
The Paragraph
The Grammatical Voice
Internet Sites
10. Grammar for Word Play
Making Grammar Really Fun
Internet Sites
11. Reading, Writing, and Grammar
Combining Reading With Grammar
ABC Books for Building Language and Grammar Literacy
Internet Sites
12. Punctuation, Spelling, Text Messaging, and Other Consequences of Grammar
Learning About Punctuation
Spelling and Grammar
Internet Sites
13. Additional Learning Activities
Building Sentence Power
Paragraphs and Transitions
Having Fun With Grammar and Words
References
Index
