Does grammar matter?

We'll share our favorite grammar curriculum, creative approaches to learning grammar, and dive into the big question: it necessary to give explicit grammar instruction at all?

Special thanks to my mother (my ever faithful grammar policewoman) for editing this post. She generously stepped in to ensure there weren’t too many grammatical errors in this post about grammar.

The role of grammar in the realm of language acquisition and literacy development has been a topic of extensive discourse among educators, linguists, and parents. Some believe that explicit grammar instruction is essential, while others suggest that grammar can be learned intuitively through extensive reading and writing.

Those in favor of explicit grammar instruction emphasize that a firm grasp of grammatical rules is necessary to express oneself accurately and effectively in writing and speech. They argue that focused learning of grammar can provide a solid foundation for other aspects of language learning and can enhance reading comprehension, writing skills, and even verbal communication. This group often advocates for teaching grammar as a separate subject to allow for personalized pace and clear evaluation of student's understanding,

Conversely, there are those who argue that grammar can be learned intuitively through exposure to language in context. They argue that linguistic competence, particularly in one's native language, can be developed through immersion, extensive reading of high quality materials, and regular practice, rendering traditional grammar lessons unnecessary. Some educators even express concerns about the potential for grammar instruction to stifle creativity and discourage a love for writing and reading.

I’d argue that the balance of explicit vs contextual learning will depend largely on the child. A theme you’ll see emerging in these posts is that while some children may learn most concepts organically, while others have a bigger need and preference for more formal, explicit instruction. And this can vary from subject to subject and change as your child grows. *In a mastery-based approach, we allow children to learn at their own pace, choose models for learning that fits their unique profile, and always strive to keep learning enjoyable and engaging.

Comprehensive ELA and *writing programs do typically include explicit grammar components, but families looking for more reinforcement might want to choose a program specifically focused on grammar. Furthermore, it makes sense that no curriculum writer will be an expert in all subjects, so there’s often an inherent advantage to choosing a curriculum that’s purely focused on a narrow subject area that the curriculum developers have focused on optimizing over many years, bringing highly specific passion and expertise to that subject area. In this post, we’ll share several grammar-specific resources that will help your child if you decide to go this route.

We’ll also dig in a little deeper to reasons for teaching grammar, and effective methods of instruction beyond open and go curriculum.

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📓 Resources for teaching grammar

Classical approach

Michael Clay Thompson Grammar Books*

Michael Clay Thompson's grammar books (such as The Magic Lens, Grammar Island, Grammar Town, Grammar Voyage and accompanying teacher manuals) are comprehensive, incorporating grammar, writing, poetry, and vocabulary. MCT stands out for its integrated approach and the richness of its content, but it may be overwhelming for some students due to its complexity and breadth. The MCT program is based on the notion that language and grammar should be taught in depth, through a comprehensive understanding of the English language. It emphasizes the interconnectivity of grammar, vocabulary, writing, and poetics. The MCT program provides a rich and engaging learning experience. It encourages critical thinking and integrates literature into grammar studies. This program is ideal for students who thrive in an immersive learning environment. It can be intensive and may not suit students who prefer a more hands-on or straightforward approach to learning. Some find the lack of practice exercises a drawback. The books range from $25-45 on Amazon.

For textbook lovers

Fit-It! Grammar*

Fix-It! Grammar (a series of textbooks) takes a more incremental approach, teaching grammar in the context of editing sentences. Students work on correcting passages, which gradually increase in complexity, allowing them to learn grammar rules naturally as they progress. Students learn grammatical concepts by directly applying them to edit passages. The program is praised for its practical, context-based learning approach. However, it is a traditional textbook method, which may not appeal to learners inclined towards interactive or digital mediums. Additionally, it may require significant parental involvement for younger students. This method can be appealing for its practical application, but it might not provide the broader linguistic understanding that other programs do. The approach of learning through editing can be engaging for students, giving them a practical and hands-on way to apply their grammar knowledge. It provides immediate application of concepts learned. This approach might not provide the same depth of understanding as more traditional or comprehensive methods. Some students might need more explicit instruction or thrive better with a more systematic approach. The student books are typically $19 each. A combo that includes the teacher’s manual (recommended) costs $29-42 depending on the level.

For learning while writing

Grammarly

Grammarly is a digital writing assistant that uses artificial intelligence to detect grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors in texts. It is useful for teaching grammar because it provides real-time feedback and explanations, which can help students understand their mistakes and learn how to correct them. Benefits of using Grammarly include its ability to cater to individual learning speeds, instant correction, and the capacity to use it across multiple platforms. However, it relies heavily on internet access, may sometimes overlook contextual nuances leading to inaccurate suggestions, and doesn't replace the need for a comprehensive understanding of grammatical rules. Grammarly is free. The premium version which includes full-sentence rewrites, vocabulary ideas, tone suggestions, and other features costs $12.99 a month for individuals.

Game-based learning

Mad Libs

Mad Libs is a phrasal template word game where one player prompts others for a list of words to substitute for blanks in a story. In the context of teaching grammar, it can reinforce the understanding of different parts of speech in a fun and interactive way. The major pros include its game-based approach which makes learning enjoyable, and its promotion of creativity. However, Mad Libs does not provide comprehensive grammar instruction and might be less effective for learners who require structured, step-by-step instruction. They have both classic books and a well-designed digital app. Mad Libs also has reading workbooks which can be a fun supplement as well! The books are $4-10 on Amazon. The app is free with in-app purchases.

A unique digital app

(also available as an e-book or paperback)

Editor in Chief from Critical Thinking Co is a comprehensive educational resource, available as a book, software, and mobile app -designed to improve students' grammar, as well as punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and critical reading skills. Adopting a unique standards-based thinking approach, it emphasizes critical thinking about writing instead of typical drill and practice methods. Each level begins with easy-to-understand lessons followed by activities that require students to analyze and correct text containing mechanical errors. The software and app versions offer additional features like a thorough guide to grammar, usage, and punctuation, multi-user login, game-saving capabilities, self-grading with score tracking, and printable student scores. Prices range from $12.99 for the app to $24.99 for level three paperback additions.

Like Michael Clay Thompson, Critical Thinking Co’s app is part of a comprehensive ELA program, and can be used separately or as part of the complete offering.

🤔 Does grammar matter?

For some children, learning grammar comes naturally from reading and engaging with language, so formal grammar lessons may not be necessary. If your child is already speaking and writing English grammatically correct, they likely have an intuitive understanding of English grammar.

However, there are a few reasons you might still consider teaching grammar:

Learning other languages

Understanding the grammatical structure of their native language can make it easier for a child to learn other languages later. Each language has its unique grammatical rules, and knowing terms like "verb", "noun", "adjective", "subject", "predicate", etc., can be useful in this context.

Improving writing skills

While your child may currently write grammatically correct English, as they progress in their learning, their writing will need to become more complex. Understanding grammar can help them craft more varied and sophisticated sentences with greater clarity, and with the purpose of their communication fulfilled. This can be particularly important for academic writing, where clarity and precision are vital.

Critical thinking

Studying grammar can also improve a child's analytical and critical thinking skills. By learning to analyze sentence structures and understand how language works, they can become better problem solvers and more logical thinkers.

Language appreciation

Just as learning music theory can enhance the appreciation of music, learning grammar can deepen a person's appreciation of language and literature.

Career and college requirements

Some careers require a strong understanding of grammar. For example, careers in writing, editing, teaching, law, etc., require precise use of language.

Grammar is fun

Certain children will love learning grammar. It can be quite engaging for kids who love formulas, structure and math. Knowing the rules can also give some children a sense of agency and accomplishment. If your child gravitates towards grammar, by all means encourage this predilection! Grammar will likely be a fun activity for kids who love spelling tests, math games and similar activities with small, incremental wins. These small wins can help kids gain confidence in their capacity to learn, cultivating grit and growth mindset.

The Methods of Teaching Grammar:

The optimal methods for grammar instruction also draw diverse opinions. Traditional grammar teaching focuses on decontextualized drills and exercises, diagramming sentences, and rote memorization of rules. However, there has been a gradual shift towards more contextual, meaningful, and engaging approaches.

Grammar in context

One such approach includes teaching grammar in context, addressing grammatical issues when they arise organically during reading or writing. This method capitalizes on the relevance and immediacy of grammar in action, which makes the learning experience more relatable and engaging.

Learning a second language

fosters a deeper understanding of grammar by elucidating grammatical concepts like tenses, parts of speech, and sentence structure. This knowledge transfer occurs as one often compares and contrasts the grammar rules of the second language with those of the native language, refining their understanding of both. Moreover, learning another language necessitates a heightened awareness of grammar, as correct usage is key to clear communication. This enhanced focus, in turn, bolsters grammatical comprehension in the first language, providing a strong foundation for improved written and spoken communication.

Learning classical languages like Latin or Greek

can provide an excellent foundation for understanding grammar. These languages have a highly structured and systematic grammar that requires learners to pay attention to the form of words and how they fit together in sentences. Learning these languages can heighten understanding of linguistic concepts such as verb conjugation, noun declension, tense, mood, voice, and agreement between parts of speech. This process can lead to a deeper understanding of grammatical structures and an ability to analyze language more effectively. Moreover, as many English words and grammar concepts have roots in Latin and Greek, learning these languages can enhance vocabulary and improve understanding of English grammar by comparison. The rigorous mental exercise of learning classical languages can also improve critical thinking skills, which can be beneficial in other areas of learning and problem-solving.

Reading well-written work a lot

Reading extensively exposes individuals to a multitude of sentence structures, vocabulary, and grammatical constructions, helping implicitly ingrain grammatical rules and conventions. Even without knowing the formal terminology, readers often intuitively grasp concepts like subject-predicate relationships or independent and dependent clauses due to consistent exposure to well-constructed sentences. Furthermore, encountering complex grammatical structures stimulates cognitive processes to unpack these structures, deepening grammar understanding. exposure to diverse writing styles can help one develop an intuitive sense of how sentences should be structured for clarity and impact. Encountering grammatically complex sentences in reading can stimulate cognitive processes to unpack and comprehend these structures, which in turn deepens their understanding of grammar, making it easier to understand things like subject and predicate, independent and dependent clauses.

Families may see here that exposing children to well-written material, such as respected children’s magazines like Highlights or classic children’s books would be a better approach for teaching grammar than reading unedited posts on social media.

Using a grammar checker

Using a grammar checker like Grammarly can be beneficial for kids in learning grammar as it provides instant feedback on their writing. When they make a mistake, Grammarly highlights it and offers a suggestion for correction, explaining why the initial construction was incorrect. This feedback, coupled with the reason behind it, can be a very effective tool for learning and internalizing grammar rules. Over time, kids can start noticing patterns in their mistakes and work to rectify them.

A surge of digital resources like Grammarly, Khan Academy, and IXL, also offer interactive, personalized ways to learn grammar. These tools can provide instant feedback, promote self-paced learning, and turn the often-dreaded grammar lessons into a more enjoyable experience.

There's also the growing popularity of game-based learning tools such as Mad Libs, which make grammar learning fun and memorable. These games, coupled with an extensive reading program, can indirectly reinforce grammatical rules.

Curriculum-based instruction, with programs like "Fix It! Grammar" or "Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts Curriculum," provide structured, systematic, and comprehensive grammar lessons. The choice often depends on the learner's style and needs.

📚 Books for further exploration

The War Against Grammar*

Classics professor David Mulroy urges a reevaluation and reinstitution of traditional grammar teaching. Mulroy posits that improving verbal skills, enhancing reading and writing capabilities, and preparing students for foreign language studies, all hinge on one significant element: grammar. He refutes the notion that the teaching of traditional grammar is unproductive, arguing instead that students greatly benefit from learning about sentence diagramming and parts of speech, tools that boost their ability to comprehend and produce complex texts. His book is a critique of the decades-long evasion of formal grammar instruction in American education, an approach he believes has led to falling SAT scores, declining reading comprehension, reduced foreign language enrollment, and an overall "higher illiteracy." Mulroy illuminates the dual purpose of grammar: it not only preserves and perfects understanding of past literature but also fosters eloquent self-expression. The book highlights the benefits maintained standard English through grammatical instruction, facilitating global communication. Mulroy also explores diverse topics like the ancient liberal arts curriculum, the history of word classification, medieval educational practices, and progressive education. He encourages readers to look beyond temporary trends in education, reminding them that language, as the expression of thought, is a fundamental aspect of humanity. This thoughtful discourse on grammar and its place in education leaves readers not with a sense of despair but with hope for a better future.

Nabokov’s Favorite Word is Mauve*

Ben Blatt, a data journalist and statistician, analyzes literature from a statistical perspective to uncover patterns that might otherwise be overlooked in traditional literary analysis. Learning grammar is a dynamic process influenced by a variety of factors. According to Ben Blatt's research, effective grammar usage includes using fewer "-ly" adverbs, as excessive use can detract from the overall quality of writing, and starting with short, impactful sentences to engage readers. It's also essential to avoid clichés to maintain originality and to use a unique and diverse vocabulary to prevent repetitiveness. The study also reveals differences in the use of dialogue descriptors between American and British authors, suggesting that cultural context and audience should inform writing style. This analysis, spanning a large timeframe, reminds us that language, including grammar, is evolutionary, and learning should adapt accordingly.