Fundamentals of Grammar & Conventions
What's the difference between the statements, “Eats Shoots and Leaves” and “Eats, Shoots and Leaves?” Sixth-grade students at Silver Lake Intermediate School have been learning that comma placement can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Commas Make a Difference is one of the lessons taught as an interactive read-aloud utilizing the book, Eats, Shoots & Leaves, as part of The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions. The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions is a new supplemental program, introduced this year for grades K-8 in the Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD). The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions provides authentic opportunities for students to deepen understanding of how language and grammar impact written and oral communication. "Fundamentals provides consistency in grammar and language usage instruction and resources across grades K-8," said Sarah Lang, OASD K-8 Curriculum Coordinator.
The units in The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions are based on the premise that teaching and modeling grammar and conventions in context will help our students become better at effectively using language to convey and understand the message. Structures such as mini-lessons, interactive read-aloud, and the use of mentor and shared texts, mirror structures already utilized in the Reader's and Writer's Workshop curriculum.
To prepare for the first year of implementation, literacy leaders from across the OASD targeted The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions lessons to align with our current literacy units of study. Silver Lake Intermediate sixth-grade teachers agree the program has been enjoyable and beneficial to their students, helping them to recognize the grammar and language usage in their reading. One student even exclaimed during class, "Wait, this doesn't feel like grammar, it feels just like a reading lesson." The sixth-grade teachers also noted that it’s important the lessons and instruction don’t feel isolated, and that they are able to segment the learning and incorporate it into the routine of literacy workshops.
In the second year of implementation, teachers will focus on refining alignment to the literacy units of study and continue to support intentional grammar "moves" to enhance each student’s writing craft.
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Silver Lake Intermediate students and staff demonstrated The Fundamentals of Grammar mini-lessons, interactive read-aloud, and the use of mentor and shared text, for the OASD School Board members at the March 20, School Board meeting.
Silver Lake Intermediate School teachers and students presented The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions, to the OASD School Board at their Tuesday, March 20, meeting.
Back, left to right: Silver Lake Teachers, Maggie Snyder and Mary Stuckey, Kate T., Abby K., and Silver Lake Principal, Jill Marr
Middle, left to right: OASD 5-8 Curriculum Coordinator, Sarah Lang, Walker R., Evan K., Kira H., Jillian O., and Silver Lake Teacher, Lexi Ellis.
Front, left to right: Michael C., Mason P., Fatima R., Charlie M., Ava F.
