Author
Regardless of the frequency of my attempts to instruct grammar rules and the components of speech, our students consistently failed to retain the information. It was only after a moment of insight that we recognized our approach was fundamentally flawed. Presently, rather than engaging in extended note-taking and extensive practice sessions, we allocate just five minutes each day to the activities of singing and dancing. Remarkably, our students revisit us years later, serenading the grammar songs they still remember. In this article, you will find a compilation of essential grammar rules alongside the accompanying songs that serve as our instructional aids within the classroom.
Prepositions
Show the relationship between nouns or pronouns and other words in a sentence and often indicate location, direction, or time.
This song is employed in my instruction for enhancing sentence structure, incorporating prepositional phrases to specify the location and timing of events. To ensure that the teaching process remains manageable, I deliver this lesson in two segments.
The prepositions covered in this song include "in," "on," "under," "above," "beside," "before," "after," "between," "among," and "through."
For instance, we can apply this knowledge in a sentence like: "After the sixth period, I indulge in my hidden supply of chocolate."
Helping Verbs
Verbs that precede another verb as part of a verb phrase.
Once the children become familiar with this song, their singing will become incessant, regardless of your entreaties. They will persist in singing, accompanying you as you move through the hallway, and delight in serenading you. Proceed with this song at your own discretion.
Helping verbs: am, is, are, was, were, have, has, had, can, do
Example: I do wish you would stop picking your nose in class.
Apostrophes
Used to create a contraction or make a noun possessive.
This particular song may pose a somewhat greater challenge in terms of singing compared to some of the others. Nevertheless, the catchy moniker "MC Grammar" compensates for any difficulty.
Example: Ms. Pangle’s class isn’t in line yet.
Linking Verbs
Verbs that connect the subject with a predicate noun or adjective
Linking verbs: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
Example: This teacher is exhausted.
There, Their, and They’re
Indeed, it is expected that middle school students should possess an understanding of this distinction, but regrettably, many do not. I provide instruction on this topic and find it necessary to play this song multiple times, occasionally in succession, when students persistently make identical errors. This can be quite exasperating for them, but it proves to be a highly effective incentive for them to refine their work and rectify the misuse of this homophone.
Active and Passive Voice
Avoid overusing passive voice. Active voice is usually more direct and easier to understand.
In all honesty, we typically simplify the concept for students by suggesting they can include the phrase "by zombies" in a passive-voice sentence. However, for those cases where this approach proves insufficient, this song could serve as a helpful alternative.
For instance, consider the following examples:
Passive: The student was tripped while running in the hallway.
Active: I tripped the student who was running in the hallway. My apologies and I assure you it won't occur again.
Irregular verbs
It can be challenging for children to remember irregular verbs in English, as they don't follow typical patterns like regular verbs. Using songs and other fun activities can be a helpful way to make the learning process more engaging and memorable for young learners. Watching a song or video about irregular verbs in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class is a great idea, as it can combine music, visuals, and repetition to reinforce the concepts and make learning more enjoyable. Songs can help kids remember irregular verbs more effectively because they often have catchy tunes and repetitive lyrics, which aid in retention and recall.
