I think grammar is awesome and speech sounds are cool, but what do kids think? Well, they aren’t geeking out like me when I teach grammar. How do we as educators keep it fun to engage elementary-age kiddos? These books help kids (Grade 1 or 2 and above) understand grammar concepts in fun way:
1) A Mink, a Fink, a Skating Rink: What is a Noun? (1999) Author: Brian Cleary – The graphics are cute and catchy in the book series “Words are CATegorical.” Using snappy cat graphics, Mr. Cleary teaches about parts of speech. This book explains was a noun is through rhymes and simple but colorful drawings. It will make you laugh out loud!
2) To Root, to Toot, to Parachute: What is a Verb? (2001) Author: Brian Cleary – Again from the “Words are CATegorical” series, the funny and imaginative illustrations and rhyming words show kids that verbs are all about action.
3) How Much Can a Bare Bear Bear? (2005) Author: Brian Cleary – Another best-selling book from the “Words are CATegorical” series, Mr. Cleary tackles the subject of homonyms and homophones. Taking them from confusing to understandable with catchy rhymes and cute illustrations.
4) A Lime, a Mime, a Pool of Slime (2006) Author: Brian Cleary – From the “Words are CATegorical” series Mr. Cleary starts where he left off from his previous book on nouns by offering more detail and explanation, while still rhyming and being silly, about nouns and what they do.
5) Slide and Slurp, Scratch and Burp (2007) Author: Brian Cleary – Mr. Cleary expands on his first book about verbs from the “Words are CATegorical” series by continuing the discussion to include “linking” verbs and verbs that need subjects. Guaranteed to make you think AND laugh!
6) Eats, Shoots, and Leaves: Why Commas Really Do Make a Difference! (2006) Author: Lynne Truss – If you ever wanted to learn about how important commas are to the meaning of a sentence, here’s a book that shows you through hilarious misunderstandings! Great for kids and adults to get a chuckle while learning something new!
7) Twenty-Odd Ducks: Why, Every Punctuation Mark Counts! (2008) Author: Lynne Truss – After her best-selling book about commas, Ms. Truss continues with a book that focuses on question marks, dashes, quotation marks, periods, parentheses, and exclamation points! And if you have trouble figuring out and explaining the differences, the author includes an answer key at the back of the book!
8) Dear Deer: A Book of Homophones (2007) Author: Gene Barretta – Another great book about homophones intended for the older elementary-age student due to the higher level of comprehension required to understand the examples. Fun and quirky illustrations make it clear the differences between the homophones.
We use some of these for the younger kids. Middle School and up we use The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide, it’s by Phil Williams and his site is http://www.englishlessonsbrighton.co.uk/. There is great info on the book, and his blog is really good too. The best resource we have found in a while.
Thank you for the tip!