DIY Homeschooler

This Grammar Quick Reference Sheet will make learning grammar the natural way easy. We tend to agree with Dr. Ruth Beechick when it comes to grammar. We learn to write by writing (much as we learn to read by reading). AFTER we have learned to write, THEN we can learn what a noun is and have a better chance of understanding what it all means — because we have already been using nouns.

For almost a century now, researchers have explored the question, Does grammar knowledge help produce good writers and speakers? And recent surveys of all the research have uncovered startling results.

While educational research usually is equivocal and you can find studies to support both sides of almost any question, that is not the case with this research. On the question of relationship of grammar knowledge to writing ability, the research is clear and overwhelming on one side of the issue. This is the finding:

Knowledge of the definitions and rules of grammar does not, in itself, improve student writing.

You CAN Teach Your Child Successfully

She goes on to suggest that since grammar does not teach writing reverse the order.

…Have your children write as a way to learn grammar.

You will find dozens of resources here at DIY Homeschooler to help you do just that (including our book Write Something Every Day, for those interested):

Write Something Every Day: 366 Pencil Sharpeners for Students of Writing
Our book will get you started. This huge 554-pg. resource provides carefully crafted writing prompts and challenges for each day. We use nearly 20 different forms of writing to keep the student engaged. Also included are writing instruction, tips for modifying assignments for “younger writers,” and other resources. Learn more.

Having said all of this, when your children are ready to learn grammar (typically grades 6–8) they can use a grammar book or this Grammar Quick Reference Sheet to check their work.

This free download from Pasco-Hernando State College includes the following components:

• Commonly confused words.
• Apostrophes.
• Capitalization.
• Modifiers.
• Transition words.
• Identifying run-on sentences.
• Commas.
• Pronouns.
• Subject-verb agreement.
• And more!

In the past we have recommended Learning Grammar Through Writing at this stage. However, that resource is increasingly difficult to find.

This Grammar Quick Reference Sheet will get you started. And it’s free!

Free Resource

• Grammar Quick Reference Sheet

---

Additional Resources

Language Arts the Natural Way
In this series we cover the basic elements of a natural approach to learning language arts.

10 Ways to Use Notebooking: #5 Grammar & Spelling
Language Arts the natural way. Explains more about how to work grammar.