Written by Alison Smith

Paper Clip Your Clauses and Conjunctions
When it comes to learning about how to write compound sentences, sometimes a simple idea can be the thing that makes the penny drop!
I love this kinesthetic grammar activity as a hands-on way to learn about the function of conjunctions.

Sorting Adjective, Verbs and Nouns
I’m always keen to find ways to incorporate interactive displays in the classroom and I love the simplicity of this hands-on grammar activity.
There are lots of ways that you could use this idea. Try one or two of these:

• 
  Sort the paddle pop sticks as a class.
  
• 
  Ask a small group to sort the paddle pop sticks as a literacy rotation activity.
  
• 
  Encourage the students to add paddle pop sticks to the cups when they come across an interesting verb, adjective or noun during speaking listening and writing.
  
• 
  Extend knowledge by adding a cup and differentiating between common and proper nouns.
  

Grammar Activities for Middle Years and Upper
It’s time to eradicate boring grammar lessons and to include a variety of engaging and inspiring grammar activities.
Here are a few tips for teaching grammar:

• 
  Create opportunities for your students to practise, practise, practise.
  
• 
  Make speaking and listening and grammar BFF’s (best friends forever). Explicitly connect the two and give your students the chance to apply their knowledge of grammar in the context of speaking.
  
• 
  Use real-world contexts. Look at the grammar on restaurant menus, billboards, in magazines and newspaper. When your students can realise that grammar is used in the outside world, not just the classroom, they will understand how important it is.
  
• 
  Play games.
  

Middle Years Grammar Worksheet Resource Pack
For those times when you just need a worksheet to strengthen understanding or maybe a quick formative assessment task, look no further than our Middle Years Grammar Worksheet Resource Pack.