Archive
Tag: Teaching Grammar and Mechanics
Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics Diagnostic Assessments
Teachers rarely use grammar, usage, and mechanics diagnostic assessments to determine individual needs. All too often, students either receive the same grammatical instruction year after year…
Roman Numerals Lesson
Students need to be able to understand, read, and write Roman numerals. Get this free lesson and a link to a Roman numeral generator.
Grammar in the Writing Context
For years teachers have heard that grammar must be taught in the writing context. Or replace grammar with writing skills, vocabulary, spelling, or even reading. I would argue that reinforced or practiced or applied might be…
Writing Feedback Research
Since the burden (and privilege) of teaching writing falls so exclusively on the teacher or workplace supervisor, it makes sense to learn what works from the…
Vague Pronoun References
A vague pronoun does not clearly identify its antecedent. An antecedent is the noun or pronoun that the pronoun refers to or re-names. Vague pronouns usually…
Double Negatives
One form of Non-standard English is the double negative. In Non-standard English the double negative is used to emphasize the negative; however, in Standard English the…
Formulaic Phrases
In both formulaic phrases and idioms, the individual words may not mean exactly what they say. Both types of expressions often suggest, but do not state,…
Meaningless Sentence Starters
Avoid beginning sentences with There or Here + a “helping verb” or a “linking verb." Revise to eliminate these words. To delete the unnecessary There or…