I am a bit of a grammar fanatic. I love solving grammar problems, diagramming sentences, and proofreading. But that doesn’t mean I don’t need guidance! Below are some of my favorite resources for teaching grammar, as well as other aspects of language arts. With all of the resources available on the internet, one could easily put together a comprehensive language arts program without spending a dime; however, the first two programs are ones that are well worth the purchase price!
1. First Language Lessons for The Well-Trained Mind: This is how we start the grammar process at our house. My First Language Lessons review here explains in more depth why I love this approach and recommended the program without hesitation.
2. Easy Grammar: After First Language Lessons, we move into Easy Grammar. The approach is straightforward and doesn’t require any teacher prep. The explanations are short but thorough, and there are plenty of exercises for each new topic to reinforce new material. Contributor Kris has a fantastic review here on The Homeschool Classroom.
3. Scott Foresman: Check out these colorful and free workbooks from Scott Foresman for grades 1-6. Just click and download!
4. Daily Grammar Archive: Free grammar lessons and quizzes that are well laid out, accessible, and extensive.
5. Guide to Grammar and Writing. A huge collection of lessons on everything from parts of speech to writing a research paper. All free.
6. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): Overflowing with excellent lessons on every grammar topic, from beginner to advanced.
7. Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips: Do you have a grammar question? Ask anything and you’ll get an answer here! Concise and clear and sometimes very funny. There are no lesson plans here, but it is fantastic for clearing up those tricky grammar and usage issues. I haven’t read this yet, but I suspect Grammar Girl’s Ultimate Writing Guide for Students may become one of my favorites.
8. Mad Libs: Buy a few of the original Mad Libs to keep in the car, or try any of these fun online ones: FunBrain, Mad Glibs, It’s a Mad Libs World. Mad Libs reinforce parts of speech, encourage creativity, and have a great reward at the end with a hilarious story!
9. Grammar Bytes: This is a fantastic and fun resource, with loads of worksheets and clear lessons on dozens of usage and composition issues.
10. SAT/ACT Grammar Practice: Preparing for the SAT and/or ACT is a valuable and practical way to study grammar in high school. Jumbo Tests, Snapwiz, Major Tests, College Board are just a few sites that have practice quizzes and tips for better preparation.
Sarah Small writes about homeschooling, writing, parenting, and life in general at SmallWorld at Home. She is in her 12th year of homeschooling, currently with a 9th grader and a 5th grader. Her older son, who was homeschooled all the way through high school, is a sophomore in college. The Smalls live near the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. Photo credit: Woodley Wonderworks.
This post is linked to Top Ten Tuesday.
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Perfect timing for this post! I have been on the fence with our grammar. This is our first year homeschooling and we are currently using First Language Lessons for 3rd and 4th grade. I like it, though I think some of it is very advanced? I have been debating switching to Easy Grammar for both of them next year. Do you have any words of wisdom?
I thought FLL 3 was advanced when my son was a 3rd grader, so I waited until 4th grade to do it. I did find that his learning level jumped, so I could have gone with the 4th grade one. I am doing Easy Grammar with him now for the first time in 5th grade, and he is doing great. All of the memorization that he did with FLL has REALLY helped!
I love collecting resources like these for when my kids are old enough. Thanks so much for sharing!