Language Arts Take Over

Over the last week or so, I have started to take over language and spelling. I thought that this would be an easy challenge because language and spelling were always my strengths as a student. However, I'm finding that just because I know something doesn't necessarily mean I can teach it well. I've been really putting a lot of effort into my grammar lessons as far as scripting and finding examples because my mind seems to go blank when I'm in front of the class. And because of that, yesterday's lesson on linking verbs went extremely well. Students seemed to actually get it! We'll see if that is still the case today.

AHHH!!! GRAMMAR!!

This week we decided that it was time to have a review of capitalization rules. I had taught this lesson last semester, but for whatever reason, several of them were still struggling with the idea that they actually needed to APPLY what they had learned. When asked, they can all recite when and how to capitalize, but when they go to their writing, it doesn't seem to click. So, we started over. After the lesson and the assessment, it seemed like most of them understood. However, a few of them still seemed completely lost so I am planning on doing a small group lesson for them on Thursday. I've created a checklist that they will tape to their desks in order to remind them of what they need to check for.

We also decided that it was time for them to have a lesson on adjectives. That started on Monday and did not go well at all. They could all give me a definition but when it came to finding and providing examples, I kept getting verbs! Grammar is something that I'm finding I struggle to teach but I need to come up with an interesting and meaningful way to do it because these kids just aren't getting it. I'm hoping to come up with a writing assignment that will allow them to explore both of these skills in their own writing. Hopefully that will create more meaning for them because this is definitely getting to the point where it is frustrating me!