STAIRWAY TO GRAMMAR

The materials in the Stairway to Grammar program are designed to help children who are struggling with grammar in school. They do not constitute a complete grammar program, but if they are used selectively and appropriately they will improve your child's grammatical skills.

Grammar is the study of how words combine to form sentences. People who understand the basic structure of grammar are much more likely to communicate clearly and effectively because a properly structured message is easier to understand and much more less likely to result in errors when the message is calling for action. Furthermore, real originality is impossible without a knowledge of the conventional rules. A strong grasp of sentence structures enables us to transcend banality - and write elegantly and creatively.

Introduction to Stairway to Grammar

This is a very simple introduction to the more advanced Stairway to Grammar created by David Harris, which follows. It is designed for younger students and students with no background in English grammar. Students will need crayons or highlighters in different shades or coloured pencils.

Part 1 The Parts of Speech

Part 2 The Parts of the Sentence

Part 3 Decorative Words, Prepositional Phrases, and Clauses

Part 4 Simple, Complex, Compound, and Compound-Complex Sentences

There are lots of videos available online on YouTube to supplement the instruction in this program.

The Yossarian the Grammarian series is excellent for older children,
while the Schoolhouse Rock series is a delightful supplement for younger children.

If a student is having trouble with a concept, give him extra instruction with one of these videos.

If a student needs more practice, create more sentences along the same lines as the practice sentences.

Stairway to Grammar

The complete STG program is designed primarily for Grades 7 & up. However, some Grade 4 to 6 students may find the selected basics in Parts 1 through 4 helpful.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence

Please note Downloads require you have the Adobe Reader installed, you can get it for free at Adobe.com