English Grammar Instruction That Works!: Developing Language Skills for All Learners

"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.

Table of 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