Targeted Independent Worksheets | Grammar
Should teachers use grammar worksheets for targeted practice? Is there any research on this? Check out what Dr. Tim Shanahan, Professor Emeritus University of Chicago and Research Lead on the National Reading Panel, has to say…
Recently, I noticed a couple of research studies published in 2024 about seatwork and it reminded me of this blog. Like most professors, I have long looked askance at worksheets and their role in reading instruction (though I had relied upon them as a teacher). These newer studies (e.g., Amendum, et al., 2024), suggest that they are not as bad as we have been led to believe (Taylor, et al., 2005). Good teachers often use a mix of direct instruction along with some practice sheets.
The study Dr. Shanahan refers to (Amendum, et al., 2024) “…was a correlational study, which identified how time was spent in classrooms and its relationship to learning to read. It found that the most effective teachers were using a combination of authentic texts and worksheets, etc. Unlike in some past studies, there was no particular benefit to using one type of material over another — in other words, they did see some learning gains due to use of seatwork (worksheet) activities” (Shanahan’s Comments).
Of course we all believe that direct, explicit, whole-class instruction should be our priority, but some small group and individualized work is necessary to differentiate instruction, and it certainly makes sense that the independent worksheets and/or activities we use in our classrooms can help maximize learning.
I’ve found that independent practice, targeted to specific, diagnostically assessed literacy deficits, gets the best results. And worksheet practice should conclude with formative assessment to determine mastery of the practiced concept or skill.
Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics are particularly well-suited to diagnostic differentiation and independent practice. Not all students need practice on collective nouns or capitalization of titles. Some do; but some don’t. Targeted worksheets with formative assessments make sense. Why not take a look at the full affordable program to see if this is what you need to get max results in your classes. Grades 4 on up.
Targeted Independent Practice
My Targeted Independent Practice series supports teachers with quality assessment-based independent learning. Each program includes 1. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment to determine student needs 2. Targeted worksheets corresponding to the specific diagnostic test components 3. Formative assessments to determine mastery. View each program in its entirety.
*** Reading Fluency and Comprehension
*** Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
*** Executive Function and Study Skills
Not sure if your students need interventions? Download the free Targeted Independent Practice Diagnostic Assessments and let the data inform your instructional decision-making.