11. Teaching Grammar in Context: Why It Isn’t Enough on Its Own

Episode Summary

For years, I heard the same advice you probably have — that teaching grammar in context is all we need to do. If students read good writing and write enough on their own, grammar will just click.

But if you’ve been in the classroom for more than five minutes, you know that isn’t what really happens. Students can write full pages, but when you ask them to find the subject and predicate, they freeze. That’s not because you’re doing something wrong. It’s because this “context only” approach leaves out the structure kids need to actually understand grammar.

In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned the hard way: context matters, but it isn’t enough on its own. I walk through how I discovered this truth, what I see happening in classrooms everywhere, and what a balanced approach — one that combines explicit instruction with real-world writing — actually looks like.

In This Episode You’ll Learn

• Why relying only on teaching grammar in context doesn’t build true understanding
• How skipping explicit instruction leaves gaps that show up year after year
• The system-wide reasons teachers and students lack confidence with grammar
• How explicit grammar lessons can exist right alongside authentic writing
• Why finding a balance between structure and creativity is what really makes grammar stick

See Show Notes for More Details:

• https://uniquelyupper.com/teaching-grammar-in-context/

Connect With Rachel

• Instagram: @uniquelyupper
• Show Notes: www.uniquelyupper.com
• TpT Store: Uniquely Upper on TpT
• Email: [e-mail]

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