Elements of Grammar
Research (Braddock & Lloyd-Jones 1963, Schoer, Hillocks, 1987, Weaver, 1996) shows that direct teaching of grammar has little positive effect on student speaking or writing.  Most teachers believe it is essential teach grammar.  A solution to this controversy might be found in examination of HOW grammar is taught.  It makes sense that students will not know certain rules of grammar unless they receive direct instruction.  Memorizing rules without authentic application is not LEARNING.  To truly learn the rules of grammar students must become familiar with them through models provided by teachers and reading and through genuine encounters with grammatical errors in their own writing and that of others.  Good teachers take advantage of "teachable moments" to instruct students in grammar as needed.

Additional controversy revolves around what constitutes good grammar.  Individuals from certain localities or ethic groups may speak with unconventional grammar.  This does not mean that they are "wrong."  The grammar taught in schools is Standard English.  While showing respect for students' familial or native use of grammar, teachers must help students understand that knowing how to use the grammatical conventions of Standard English is valuable to them as learners as well as citizens of the United States.

Valerie Tompkins* cites reasons she has found for teaching grammar:

  1. Using Standard English is the mark of an educated person.
  2. Teaching grammar will help students understand sentence structure and form sentences to express their thoughts.
  3. Parents expect that grammar will be taught.
  4. Understanding grammar will help prepare students for the next grade or learning a foreign language.
  5. Grammar instruction is a part of mandated norm-referenced achievement tests. 

Below are web sites that you can use now and later as teachers to explore instruction of the rules of grammar.
Parts of Speech Lists of Grammar Lists
Punctuation  

Elements of Grammar
Parts of Speech Parts of Sentences
Types of Sentences Usage
   
adapted from: *Tompkins, Valerie (1998).  Language Arts: Content and Teaching Strategies.  Upper Saddle River, NJ.  Merrill.