Not Your Granny's Grammar

Patty McGee is a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, and educator with a passion for transforming classrooms into spaces where language and learning come alive. With decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and advocate for delightful literacy practices, Patty has worked alongside educators across the country, partnering to unlock the full potential of their students through innovative and practical teaching strategies. Tim Donohue is a passionate educator and lifelong learner who lives for those "aha" moments when a student's eyes light up with understanding. A grammarian at heart and a lover of all things language, Tim is passionate about empowering students to use language and writing as tools for self-discovery and critical thinking. He is a former English teacher and Curriculum Director who currently serves in the role of Assistant Superintendent, coordinating all aspects of district curriculum and instruction. Tim holds master's degrees in English (Writing Studies) and Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. He has presented at numerous State and local conferences, sharing his expertise and enthusiasm for teaching and learning with other educators.

Part 1: Grammar Remodel Chapter 1: Not Your Granny's Grammar Chapter 2: Setting Up the Classroom for Grammar Study Part 2: Lessons to Begin Chapter 3: A Unit on Sentences Part 3: Lessons for the Journey: Immersion, Exploration, Transfer Chapter 4: Immersion Lessons: Mentor Texts and Tips Chapter 5: Explore Lessons: Hypothesize and Play Chapter 6: Explicit Lessons: Anchor Charts and How-to's Chapter 7: Transfer Lessons: Tools and Schedules Chapter 8: Assessment: For Learning and Of Learning Part 4: Your Grammar Refresher: All You Need to Know About Grammar and Standards

For teachers who are grammar nerds-or who are searching for engaging ways to study grammar with their children-Patty McGee and Timothy Donahue's Not Your Granny's Grammar supports grammar instruction in a fresh, inquiry-based way that will help students become fascinated by a subject that has traditionally been dry and yawn-producing. I think even my granny would have enjoyed their approach! -- Carl Anderson Grammar matters! Readers judge your written ideas more harshly when grammar miscues are evident. Not Your Granny's Grammar provides an antidote to this problem by presenting powerful ideas for effectively teaching grammar. -- Steve Graham, EdD Patty and Tim's approach to teaching grammar is a game-changer! Flexible and adaptable, it seamlessly integrates into any subject, transforming grammar instruction into an engaging and effective experience. Teachers in our district have seen firsthand how it boosts student engagement, deepens understanding, and streamlines instruction into a dynamic process that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for language. -- Grace Chun FANBOYS, sentence destroyers, and dangling modifiers, oh my! If teaching grammar conjures up images of worksheets, perplexing rules, and sleepy students seated at their desks, renew or discover your love of language with this book that unlocks the treasure everyday grammarians possess. Get everything you need to solve the mysteries of grammar. Ready to meet each teacher where they are now on their grammar journey with humility and ease, Not Your Granny's Grammar is a rich tapestry of critical research, suggested curricular and lesson sequence, and approachable hands-on authentic grammar immersion, promising gains as you interact with your students in discovery and play. Patty and Tim partner up to warmly welcome each of us into a very real, practical, and sustainable relationship with grammar. Easily work grammar into instruction with minimal time commitment and a reverence for teaching as an art, and marvel with students as their playful grammarian moves emerge in their writing. -- Kara B. Douma, EdD McGee and Donohue's approach to grammar study cultivates deep engagement with language. It invites us to reimagine grammar instruction-punctuated with playfulness and inquiry. Grounded in research and designed for real classrooms, Not Your Granny's Grammar is the essential playbook for instructional transformation. -- Allison O'Brien Grammar is ready for her classroom spotlight! Patty and Tim's refreshing guide reimagines grammar instruction with humor, research-backed strategies, and real classroom wisdom. Equally valuable as a cover-to-cover read or curricular resource, it offers both veteran and new teachers a practical, learner-led approach to teaching grammar that actually works to engage students. -- Michelle Philippin Put away your red pens and save your students from the drudgery of out-of-context worksheets. Not Your Granny's Grammar delivers a roadmap for teachers to provide plenty of playful practice as they work with their students to become powerful writers for the widest possible audience. -- Michael Smith Teaching grammar requires a delicate balance between being explicit and allowing space for exploration. This resource beautifully achieves that balance, providing authentic, meaningful, and easy-to-implement strategies. McGee and Donahue's intentionality in clarifying the "why" behind grammar instruction is immensely valuable and empowering. This is an essential tool for educators dedicated to helping all students thrive! -- Betty Weeden