Welcome to Engaging with Grammar:
a guide for Australian Primary teachers.
Grammar understanding is the backbone of all language and communication skills.
It allows for the effective use of language to represent our experiences of the world, interact successfully with others
and create meaningful texts. Through explicit teaching of grammar, we can help students make linguistic choices in
order to improve literacy skills, as well as enrich experience and understanding of literature.
For teachers, grammar is no longer a simple matter of right and wrong - we don't need to condemn those who say "I ain't" and applaud the use of "to whom" - but it is nonetheless important for students to be able to critique and tailor their language for successful communication.
It is imperative that teachers assist students to learn and understand appropriate use of English in different contexts, equipping them with the skills to succeed in a society which will often judge people on their perceived language ability and adherence to language norms.
(Burridge, 2014; Horton & Bingle, 2014; Exley & Mills, 2012; Derewianka, 2012; Winch et al., 2010)