Struggling with Teaching Sentence Structure? Help is Here.

Are your students finding it difficult to analyze English sentences? Whether they're just beginning to learn the language or studying a foreign language that requires a solid grasp of English grammar, understanding sentence structure is essential.

That’s where I come in.

With over 30 years of classroom experience and a lifelong passion for grammar, I’ve created a straightforward, engaging way to master the art of sentence construction. In my Simple Steps to Sentence Sense video series, I walk learners through eight clear, manageable steps to understanding sentence structure. 

Each video is paired with a practice exercise and an answer key, making it easy to learn and review at your own pace.

These videos are short and easy to understand. You can use them with students who enroll late in the year, with students who need tutoring, or you can play each video for your class, sit back, and let me explain each of the eight steps as an introduction to the actual unit from the Simple Steps to Sentence Sense eBooks and resources.

• How to Use SAM (Sentence Analysis Map)
• Step 1 - Prepositional Phrases
• Step 2 - The Verb
• Step 3 - the Subject
• Step 4A - Action Verb Complements
• Step 4L - Linking Verb Complements
• Step 5 - Adjectives and Adverbs
• Step 6 - Finding Phrases (verbals, and appositives)
• Step 7 - Finding Clauses (adjective, adverb, and noun)

This program is perfect for students, children, or grandchildren who need a little extra support—and confidence—in writing and grammar.

If you're looking for a practical, proven way to strengthen sentence skills, this just might be the gentle push they need to succeed.

These videos complement all of my grammar eBooks and resources. You can find all the Simple Steps to Sentence Sense resources here.

The first video in the series is free. If you want to check it out, click here.

You always save 20% when purchasing a bundle. Click here to make the purchase that will save you hours of time.

Thanks for reading. I hope your new school year is your best one yet!

Charlene 

Here are some interesting blog posts from The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you are interested in becoming a member to promote your teaching materials click here.

Here's Help with 5 Confusing Words

The words who's or whose and their, there, or they’re are frequently confused and used incorrectly. 

Here are some simple tips to help you use these words correctly.

Their means it belongs to them.

Example: I listen to their music.

There indicates a location. (Replace it with the similar word “where” to help you remember its meaning.)

Example: I am going there after school.

They’re is a contraction for the words they are.

(Read a contraction as two words.)

Example: They’re (They are) my parents.

Whose means it belongs to whom. 

Example: Whose coat is this?

Who’s is a contraction for the words who is. (Read a contraction as two words.)

Example: Who’s (Who is) coming with me tonight?

After you finish writing, search for the words above to be sure you have chosen correctly. 

Ask yourself these questions:

Do you mean “where?”  If so, choose “there.”

Do you mean “it belongs to them?” If so, choose “their.”

Do you mean “they are?” If so, choose “they're.”

Do you mean “who is?” If so, choose “who’s.”

Do you mean it belongs to whom? If so, choose “whose.”

The following sentences are correct:

Whose photos are posted there on the bulletin board? Who's going to write their names on the backs of the photos? They're going to be left of of the yearbook if we don't figure this out.

Click here to buy a set 5 of the task cards your students can use to review the use of these confusing words.

Click here to buy the TASK CARDS BUNDLE and save 20%.

* This blog post is updated to reflect the money-saving bundle that is now available.

         All the best,

An InLinkz Link-up

It is not only on the fourth Thursday of November that I am thankful. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, I think, in his prayer in the photo above. 

I take a long morning walk as often as I can. The first thing I do after leaving the house is look to the east where the beautiful sunrise greets me and say a few words of thanks for the privilege of living another day.

I have lost many people that I love with all my heart, so I do not take the gift of life for granted.

May your season of Thanksgiving last all year long.

Thanks for reading,

A Gratitude Booklet Makes a Special Gift

Here's a great idea for a heartfelt gift for for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or any occasion.

 This is a creative writing unit that requires students to research one of their family members or significant friends and create a gratitude booklet. They will enjoy learning more about the history of their family and experience the joy of giving a truly unique and special gift. Students will:

•             write interview questions.

•             interview family members.

•             write a biographical sketch.

•             write and edit anecdotes. 

•             locate or take photos of the subject of their gratitude booklet.

•             compile a gratitude booklet.

•             present the completed booklet to their subject as a special gift.

 The booklet can include photos, drawings, a biographical sketch, and testimonial statements from the students and from others who know their subject well.

An example would be that a student interviews his or her mother and then writes a biographical sketch. If possible, they will include old photos and current photos. Then, they would interview their mother's friends and relatives and collect anecdotes and statements from them to include in their booklet. 

 After the booklet is complete, they would present it to their mother on Mother's Day as a priceless gift. I have included sample pages from a gratitude booklet in the product.
This is a free product that is available in my store. 

Click here below to visit my store and download this project.

Thanks for reading,