Tara Bauman
Grammar Content Knowledge Summary
Grammar is the study of formal aspects of language, such as sentence structure, the use and function of words and word sounds. There are six areas of grammar which include: capitalization, sentences, punctuation, parts of speech, agreement and tense, and reference materials. All of these components go into writing and speaking effectively. To closely monitor and improve our grammar, we can use editing and revising. Editing and revising are another way to look at our writing and improve it.
Vocabulary Terms
Editing: to add to, delete, correct, or rearrange
Revise: To change, alter, or modify
6 areas of grammar
Capitalization
Sentences
Punctuation
Parts of Speech
Agreement and Tenses
Reference Materials
Revising
Adding or changing thoughts or ideas to improve writing
Read to a friend or two
Revising Questions:
Can you read it out loud without stumbling?
Does every word and action count? There should be a reason why a character acts or speaks in a certain way.
Is the series of events logical? Do they relate?
Is it clear what your goal or your main character’s goal is throughout the piece of writing?
Are vivid/descriptive words used to describe characters and/or events?
Is your train of thought clear? Are there any tangents?
Do you use a variety of verbs throughout the piece?
Is it wordy and redundant? Are you using the same words and phrases over and over again?
Is there a catchy introduction? Does the conclusion leave the reader thinking?
Do supporting details support only the topic sentence of that paragraph?
Are transitional devices used throughout?
Is there a strong hook, thesis and lead-in?
Is proper format followed throughout?
Are all sentences complete or are there sentence fragments?
Is a vivid mental picture created in the reader’s mind?
Have you completed sentence expansion where necessary?
Did you use a thesaurus?
A.R.M.S.
Add:
-Details
-Transitions
-Interesting Words
-Evidence
-Descriptions
Remove:
-Words and sentences that don’t make sense
-Extra information
Move:
-Words and sentences for better sequences
Substitute:
-Boring words for more interesting words
-New words for overused words
Editing
-Read backwards for spelling
-Use green pen when editing
-Use proofreading and editing marks
C.O.P.S
Capitalization:
-Beginning of a sentence
-Proper Nouns
-Titles
Order:
-Does this make sense?
-Topic sentence, detail with transition words, and a concluding sentence
Punctuation:
-At the end of every sentence
-Quotes for dialogue
-Commas in a list
Spelling:
-Read each word starting at the end
-Use your resources to check
Types of Sentences
Declarative:
-Makes a statement or expresses an opinion
-Ends with a period
-Ex: “I want to be a good writer.”
Interrogative:
-Asks a questions
-Often begins with who, what, when, where, why, how
-Ends with a question mark
-Ex: “When is your last final?”
Exclamatory:
-Expresses great emotion such as excitement, surprise, happiness, and anger
-Ends with an exclamation point
-Ex: “I got an A on my homework!”
Imperative:
-Gives a command or makes a request
-Usually ends with a period but can end with an exclamation point
-Ex: “Please go outside.”
Parts of Speech
Nouns: A noun is the name of a person, place, thing, or idea
Pronouns: A pronoun takes the place of noun in a sentence
Verbs: Tells an action someone or something is doing
Adjectives: Describes a noun or pronoun- tells what kind, how many, or which one
Adverbs: Describes a verb, adjective, or adverb- tells how, when, where, or to what extent
Prepositions: Describes a relationship between a noun/pronoun and another word in a sentences
Conjunctions: Joins words or phrases in a sentence
Interjections: A word or phrase that expresses strong feeling or emotion
The Writing Process
Brainstorming, Drafting, Revision, Editing, Publishing
Artifact
Stretch A Sentence
Retrieved From:
https://www.education.com/worksheet/article/stretch-a-sentence/
Grammar Instrucional Strategies
Writing Conference
In this strategy students would revise and edit their own work to better understand and improve grammar skills. When using this strategy, teacher can change and adapt to work on specific skills.
Free Writing
This strategy allows students to write on their own to improve their grammar skills. Writing 10-15 minutes daily can improve their writing and grammar skills. In free writing, students can write about a specific prompt or anything of their choice.
Types of Sentences
Types of sentences teach children about the different types of sentence they type and how to change up sentences to make their writing more interesting and to make sure their sentences make sense. Students would define the types of sentences, describe end punctuation, and the provide examples of each type of sentence.
Sentence Builder
This is a concise description of your previous work experience and the responsibilities you had. The most effective Portfolios give a clear snapshot of where you’re coming from and where you’re going in a way that’s easy for readers to scan and absorb quickly.
Pair Editing
In this strategy students share their edits and then edit their own. Students use their editing skills to find errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. At the end students would grade on their partner’s helpfulness.
Grammar Website and Applications
Road to Grammar is a website that teachers can use to get resources to teach grammar, lessons, quizzes, games, and other free material from. I would use this in my future classroom to help guide me through grammar. I would also use some of the games and resources for my students to use to help them better understand the different components of grammar.
Grammar Jammers
Grammar Jammers is an app made by Pearson Education. This app accommodates grades k-5 and teaches students proper grammar usage and mechanics through animated songs and rhymes. This app is a fun way for students to be learning grammar and they can remember the songs whenever they would need it.
Grammaropolis
Within this app, grammar is taught using animated characters that play different roles depending on the part of speech they play in the sentence. Grammaropolis allows students to work with seven different parts of speech including: verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions, interjections.
Grammar for Kids
Grammar for Kids is an app that takes grammar into a game. This app allows students to work on the 8 parts of speech through a series of different level with a dinosaur as a coach. As the student identifies where the underline word belongs to, they move on to the next sentence. Once the student completes 10 sentences, they move on to the next level. There are 10 levels to complete and get more difficult as the student goes up.