 Grammar: The study of how words and their component parts combine to form sentences; the system of rules implicit in a language, viewed as a mechanism for generating all sentences possible in that language.
-- Dictionary.com
Are you looking for ways to spice up your next grammar review? Do you
need supplemental materials for ESL or other students who are struggling
with grammar issues? Check out the Web sites below for resources for teaching
grammar to students in grades 3-12! Included: A baker's dozen Web sites
with hundreds of interactive quizzes, PowerPoint lectures, fun games,
and more!
ChompChomp: Grammar
Bytes!
ChompChomp: Grammar Bytes is a comprehensive guide to grammar. In fact,
one teacher at a middle school has thrown away his grammar text and uses
this site exclusively in his language arts classroom. The site is divided
into four sections -- grammar terms, exercises, handouts, and tips and
rules. Terms are defined in detail, with numerous examples, colorful (and
often illustrated) explanations, and links to related terms. Five review
exercises (20 questions each) are provided for each term. The exercises
are interactive, allowing students to see what they got right or wrong
and why, and printable handouts help students and teachers keep track
of progress. Finally, the tips and rules section, with both HTML and PDF
versions, gives easy-to-understand strategies for attacking grammar problems.
This site is best used in grades 7-12.
Big Dog's Grammar
Big Dog's Grammar calls itself "A bare bones guide to English." Despite
its narrow focus, however, the site is well written, easy-to-follow, and
offers an engaging resource for middle- or high-school English classes.
More than a dozen grammar terms -- including comma splices, active/passive
construction, and more -- are included. Explanations are short and fun
to read. The self-test portion is very short (only a few questions per
concept), however, whether you choose the correct or incorrect answer,
a window pops up, explaining what you did right or wrong. That is particularly
helpful for a student who might guess the right answer without knowing
why it is right.
Wow!
Grammar! How to Master Skills to Succeed
Wow! Grammar!, the first site on this list specifically for younger (3rd-6th
grade) students, also contains definitions and activities. The definitions,
of parts of speech, sentence construction, clauses, and common mistakes,
for example, are short and easy to read. In addition, a printable version
of the grammar term page is provided for use as a handout. Rather than
tests or practice quizzes, this site provides five grammar games. In "Clean
Up Your Grammar," students decide if a word is a noun or verb. Students
also can locate grammar mistakes (punctuation, capitalization, run-on
sentences, and more) within sentences in "Edit Dan's Copy." Connecting
prefixes and suffixes to their meanings is the goal of "Short Circuit,"
while in "Fish 'Em Up" students decide how to change spelling in words
ending in ing or ies. Finally, students can learn about
homophones in "Super Match Game."
Guide to
Grammar and Writing
The Guide to Grammar and Writing, appropriate for high school students
and above, is by far the most exhaustive grammar resource listed in this
review. From its detailed explanations of grammar terms to the PowerPoint
lectures, famous quotes, and more, this Web site is ideal for an AP class
or for teacher use. More than 170 interactive quizzes on almost any grammar
concept imaginable are available. The GrammarLog is an archive of questions
asked by users -- and the answers to those questions; students and teachers
alike are encouraged to submit their burning grammar questions. A search
engine of the site's contents, as well as an index and FAQ section help
users make sense of this enormous resource. Don't forget to check out
the GrammarPoll, where students and teachers alike can voice their opinions
on current issues/changes occurring in American grammar usage.
Purdue
University's Online Writing Lab
The Online Writing Lab, like the Grammar Guide above, is best used in
grades 9-12 --and above. Explanations are brief and easy to understand.
The topics covered include parts of speech and sentence construction,
with a focus on the most common mistakes writers make. Practice exercises
are included, but they are not interactive; students must write answers
on paper or print out a copy of the page, then check their own answers.
Both printer-friendly and PDF formats of the exercises are included. What's
unique about the site is the inclusion of several PowerPoint presentations
related to grammar. Both slide shows, appropriate for direct instruction
or self-directed learning, contain entertaining graphics as well as definitions
and examples. Don't miss the many other resources on other writing topics
available at this site.
Learn about more great sites for students, parents, and educators
by visiting Education World's Site
Reviews Archives.
Article by Lorrie Jackson
Education World®
Copyright © 2005 Education World
05/04/2005
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