Simple Grammar: Subjects and Verbs (Grades 6th-8th)
The no-tears way to learn about sentences, subjects, and verbs by analyzing passages from age-appropriate literature (we will use KISS Grammar Level 1.1 by Dr. Edward Vavra).
Annie Downer, MFA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(102)
What's included
8 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Note: This class is designed for 6th through 8th grades. It is a beginning course for those just embarking on a formal study of grammar or for those who desire more thorough understanding. To truly understand grammar, we must first understand what is a sentence. In Simple Grammar: Subjects and Verbs, we will cover what is a sentence and will discuss subjects and verbs. We will learn about verb phrases and some of the different kinds of verbs, such as helping verbs. When a new topic is introduced, I will explain the topic to the students, asking for questions. We will perform exercises together as a class to solidify the topic. We may also do individual exercises in class. Students are encouraged to ask questions to be sure they understand the topics. Students will be given opportunities to analyze their own writing for subjects and verbs. Some exercises may be given as homework, but homework should take 15 minutes or less. Students learn at different paces, so class will be tailored to student needs. The basic schedule is thus: Week 1: What is a sentence; Single-Word Verbs Week 2: Verb Tenses and Modal Verbs Week 3: Other Helping Verbs; More Practice with Helping Verbs Week 4: Analyzing Passages
Learning Goals
By the end of this course, students should be able to identify sentences as well as subjects and finite verbs. They should also be fairly comfortable with verb phrases and helping verbs.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Exercises are taken from children’s literature, such as Heidi by Johanna Spyri and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Supply List
Students may need paper and a writing utensil or a computer for in-class exercises as well as homework assignments. Much of the lesson material will come from KISS Grammar Level 1.1. I will supply a Word document of the workbook upon enrollment with additional exercises supplied as needed. If the student would prefer a hard copy, the exercises will need to be printed. However, the student is welcome to do the exercises on the computer if desired. (If you would like to view the workbook from the source website, it is linked here. However--although the approach to grammar is simple--the website can be quite confusing to navigate: http://kissgrammar.org/kiss/wb/LPlans/G06_WB_Start.htm#L1)
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will use exercises from the KISS grammar series, which is free online. We may use a combination of exercises, depending on student need, but the main information will be taken from the KISS Level 1.1 workbook for middle grade students. I may also reference Simply Grammar by Charlotte Mason/Karen Andreola.
Joined March, 2020
4.9
102reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in English from Vermont College of Fine Arts
Bachelor's Degree in English from LeTourneau University
I have taught English Composition at the college level and have tutored English for college students and middle schoolers. Many of my students had difficulty sharing their ideas because they lacked a fundamental understanding of how our language works (grammar). I encouraged and pushed my students to reach their potentials. Some students who began the class with D work and no understanding of punctuation or grammar finished the class with B and A work. I love helping students to learn how to share their ideas in a way the gives their ideas validity due to precise writing.Reviews
Live Group Class
$70
for 8 classes2x per week, 4 weeks
25 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-6 learners per class
