Grammar Remix: Fixing Errors in Our Stories
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.In what ways does grammar act as a foundational element in storytelling, and how can a deep understanding of grammatical principles empower us to craft compelling narratives and interpret messages with precision?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does grammar shape the stories we tell and how we understand them?
- Why is it important to understand and use correct grammar in writing and speaking?
- How can we use grammar to make our writing more interesting and effective?
- What impact does grammar have on the clarity and meaning of our messages?
- How does understanding grammar help us to be better communicators and critical thinkers?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Master the correct usage of pronouns (subjective, objective, possessive, intensive).
- Identify and correct errors in pronoun number, person, and vague pronoun references.
- Demonstrate command of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
- Apply context clues and word analysis skills (Greek/Latin roots) to determine word meanings.
- Use grade-appropriate vocabulary effectively in writing and speaking.
- Vary sentence patterns and maintain consistency in style and tone in writing.
- Understand and interpret figurative language.
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsGrammar Crime Scene
Students arrive to find a "crime scene" in the classroom where a poorly written ransom note is the key evidence. They must use their grammar skills to decipher the note, identify the grammatical errors, and rewrite it correctly to "save the day," sparking their curiosity about the importance of grammar in clear communication.Social Media Meltdown
A fictional celebrity's social media account has been hacked, and grammatically incorrect posts are flooding the internet. Students act as social media managers, tasked with rewriting the posts to restore the celebrity's image and communicate effectively with their followers, highlighting the real-world impact of grammar in online communication.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Vocabulary Voyage
Students will explore the meanings of unknown words using context clues, Greek/Latin roots, and reference materials. They will create sentences using the new words, demonstrating their understanding.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA vocabulary journal with definitions, context clues, root analysis, and original sentences for each new word.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4.A, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4.B, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4.C, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4.D, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.6Figurative Language Fiesta
Students will identify and interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification, similes, metaphors) in context. They will then create their own examples of figurative language.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of interpreted examples and original sentences using figurative language.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.5.ARubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioVocabulary Voyage Rubric
Word Meaning and Analysis
Focuses on the student's ability to accurately determine and explain the meaning of new vocabulary words.Context Clues
Effectively uses context clues from the provided sentences to infer the meaning of unknown words.
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently and accurately infers word meanings using sophisticated understanding of context. Provides insightful explanations of how the context clues support the meaning.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately infers word meanings using context clues. Explains how context clues support the meaning.
Developing
2 PointsInfers word meanings using context clues with some inaccuracies. Explanation of context clue usage is limited.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to infer word meanings using context clues. Provides minimal or inaccurate explanations.
Root Analysis
Identifies and explains the meaning of Greek or Latin roots within the vocabulary words to refine understanding.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional understanding of Greek/Latin roots. Skillfully applies root meanings to enhance understanding of new words and explains the connection with clarity and precision.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough understanding of Greek/Latin roots. Applies root meanings to understand new words and explains the connection effectively.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging understanding of Greek/Latin roots. Attempts to apply root meanings with some inaccuracies or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited understanding of Greek/Latin roots. Struggles to apply root meanings or explain their connection to the new words.
Reference Materials
Uses dictionaries, thesauruses, and other reference materials effectively to verify word meanings and parts of speech.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses reference materials expertly to confirm nuanced meanings and parts of speech. Synthesizes information from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsUses reference materials effectively to confirm word meanings and parts of speech.
Developing
2 PointsUses reference materials with some difficulty or inconsistency. May misinterpret information or struggle to find relevant details.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use reference materials effectively. Demonstrates difficulty finding or interpreting information.
Sentence Construction
Focuses on the student's ability to use the new vocabulary words correctly and effectively in original sentences.Accurate Usage
Uses the new vocabulary words accurately in original sentences, demonstrating correct grammar and context.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses new vocabulary words flawlessly in original sentences, demonstrating sophisticated understanding and precise application. Sentences are grammatically correct and contextually perfect.
Proficient
3 PointsUses new vocabulary words accurately in original sentences, demonstrating correct grammar and context.
Developing
2 PointsUses new vocabulary words in original sentences with some inaccuracies or grammatical errors. Context may be slightly unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use new vocabulary words correctly in original sentences. Demonstrates significant grammatical errors or contextual misunderstandings.
Sentence Clarity and Style
Constructs clear, concise, and stylistically appropriate sentences that effectively communicate meaning.
Exemplary
4 PointsConstructs exceptionally clear, concise, and stylistically sophisticated sentences that enhance the impact and meaning of the vocabulary words.
Proficient
3 PointsConstructs clear, concise, and stylistically appropriate sentences that effectively communicate meaning.
Developing
2 PointsConstructs sentences that are understandable but may lack clarity, conciseness, or stylistic appropriateness.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to construct clear and coherent sentences. Sentences may be confusing or difficult to understand.