Math, reading, writing, phonics, skills groups, enrichment, social studies, science…it seems impossible to fit it all in. Grammar seems to be one of those subjects that just gets pushed to the side and often forgotten. Yet, it still deserves a place in your students’ day in some way. Here are some ideas for getting it in!
#1: Grammar Notebooks
Now they do take a bit of time to set up and get used to. But if you are already using for another subject, once students are familiar with how interactive notebooks work, they are great independent activities to review previously taught skills. Sometimes we get started as a whole group and they finish on their own (usually during our guided reading block when they aren’t at “teacher time”). This gives me the chance to see if they are picking up on what I taught and can cut down on time spent on a whole group grammar lesson.
Still on the fence? Try it out! Check out this freebie by Education to the Core.
#2: Grammar Centers
Each of my centers requires some kind of sorting or matching. There is also a recording sheet but I have to be honest, depending on the center, I don’t always require the recording sheet.
In this Roll-A-Contraction center, students roll a dice and read the word above the number they rolled. Then they must find the two words that make up the contraction and record it. Anything using a dice is all sorts of popular in my classroom!
#3: Morning Work
A lot of teachers are moving to more hands-on AM activities. However, morning work WORKS for me and my students so I am sticking to it. #ifitain’tbroke I like the routine it creates. It provides a great review of skills. By the end of the year, my students become so independent, they take turns leading going over the answers and it is just one of the many areas in which I see so much growth!
I just love love love all morning work by Shelly Sitz at Smiling and Shining in Second Grade. She has math morning work, grammar and a combo of both. You can try some of her morning work pages for free here. The constant spiral of grammar skills is crucial for mastery!
#4: Grammar Games
In addition to lack of time, sometimes grammar gets pushed to the side because it’s just not all that exciting. Good news! You can make review for ANY grammar skill into a game. One of my favorites is this digital version of Connect 4.
Don’t want to come up with the questions?
Simply pair it with a copy of grammar task or scoot cards like these:
Read more about my ideas for engaging with games here.
#5 Grammar Apps
I have to be honest. Apps are not my strong suit. I promised myself last year I would sit down with all my iPads and update them with the most fun, exciting apps. That didn’t happen. #nextyeargoal Luckily, others are experts and have compiled a great list of grammar apps!
eLearning Industry shares 11 apps for teaching grammar. The best part? They are all FREE!
I love this one called Grammar Fun that allows students (or you) to specify example which skills students are working on.
