392: A Mentor-Based Grammar Lesson Blueprint

When it comes to teaching grammar, the research is clear. Drill and kill is not what we're looking for. You don't want to march through a series of grammar lessons unrelated to your students' writing and reading.

Here's what NCTE's "Resolution on Grammar Exercises to Teach Speaking and Writing" has to say about it:

"This resolution was prompted by the continuing use of repetitive grammar drills and exercises in the teaching of English in many schools. Proposers pointed out that ample evidence from 50 years of research has shown that the teaching of grammar in isolation does not lead to improvement in students’ speaking and writing, and that, in fact, it hinders the development of students’ oral and written language. Be it therefore resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English affirm the position that the use of isolated grammar and usage exercises not supported by theory and research is a deterrent to the improvement of students’ speaking and writing and that, in order to improve both of these, class time at all levels must be devoted to opportunities for meaningful listening, speaking, reading, and writing; and that NCTE urge the discontinuance of testing practices that encourage the teaching of grammar rather than English language arts instruction."

So how can we teach students about writer's craft moves, and the rich palette of options that grammar provides them in making meaning?

Well, that's our subject for today's "Plan My Lesson" episode. I received several requests for lessons to make grammar more fun, so today we're talking about ideas for making grammar moments more effective AND more interesting when it comes to lesson planning. You won't find any multiple-choice here, but you will find ideas you could try weaving into your lessons, regardless of where your students are in their writing journey.

Sources Mentioned:

Deborah Dean's "Grammar for Writing" Post at NCTE

NCTE's Resolution on Grammar Exercises to teach Speaking and Writing

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