Download Grammar Across the Curriculum

Grammar
Across the
Curriculum
Tracy Young
4th grade ESL
Deepwater Elementary
Deer Park ISD
Grammar
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Work smarter, not harder
Time
Model good sentence structure
Connect subjects
TAKS/TEKS connections
Grammar is…
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A set of prescriptions or rules for using
language
“correct” sentence structure
“correct” punctuation and other aspects of
mechanics
From Teaching Grammar in Context by Constance Weaver
Children “know” grammar, even though they
don’t “know about” grammar.
Constance Weaver
Daily Oral Language is a publisher-produced
set of lessons that are easy to use and
provide a focused mini-lesson on a
particular editing or usage topic.
Lessons to Share on Teaching Grammar in Context by Constance Weaver
D.O.L.
NOT
Not correctly written sentences
Not modeling good sentence structure
Not connected to students’ writing
Not authentic literature
No meaning to the students
Real writers use grammar to add
meaning.
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Two sentences modeling skill and rich
language from variety of texts.
Read each sentence orally using “reading
fingers”.
Color-code each sentence and discuss
what makes the sentence work.
Conventions and Grammar
Encourage students to use conventions as
a tool to make their meaning clear and help
the reader understand what they are
saying.
Conventions and Grammar
Capitalization, commas, periods, spelling,
indenting, and use of grammar are a
substitute for being able to see the person.
Conventions
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When students let the reader know to
pause or stop at punctuation, it’s a head
nod.
When they use accurate spelling, it’s a big
smile.
A capital letter used correctly is the
equivalent of direct eye contact.
6+1 Traits of Writing by Ruth Culham
Grammar Across the Curriculum
After fifty years the dates and faces have
lost their distinction, but the horror never
gives way.
Left for Dead: A young man’s search for justice for the USS
Indianapolis by Pete Nelson
ESL and G/T
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Modeling
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Oral language
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Checklist
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Take risks
Grammar Across the Curriculum
In your journal, respond to the literature
selection from Left for Dead. In your
response consider making a connection:
how it made you feel, an experience you
have had, a book you have read, or a
movie you have seen. Include the
grammar skill practiced in the lesson. Use
the checklist for review.
Checklist for Grammar
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Complete and correct heading.
Title begins with capital letter.
Each sentence begins with capitalization.
Each sentence ends with correct punctuation.
Each sentence makes sense.
At least one sentence is a compound sentence
with a connecting word and correct punctuation.
Work Cited
Culham, R. (1995) 6+1 Traits of Writing: The complete guide grades 3
and up. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Nelson, P. (2002) Left for Dead: a young man’s search for justice for
the USS Indianapolis. New York: Delacourt Press.
Weaver, C.(1998) Lessons to Share on Teaching Grammar in Context.
Portsmouth,NH: Heinemann Publishers.
Weaver, C. (1996) Teaching Grammar in Context. Portsmouth, NH:
Heinemann.