What is syntax?
Syntax refers to the ways in which words are combined to create well formed phrases, clauses, and sentences.
While many teachers consider grammar that falls outside of the norms of Standard English as incorrect or inappropriate in the classroom, it is important to show sensitivity to a student's dialect. The language or dialect spoken at home may follow different syntactical rules, making it difficult for the student to follow the rules of Standard English that most teachers speak.
While many teachers consider grammar that falls outside of the norms of Standard English as incorrect or inappropriate in the classroom, it is important to show sensitivity to a student's dialect. The language or dialect spoken at home may follow different syntactical rules, making it difficult for the student to follow the rules of Standard English that most teachers speak.
classroom strategies for teaching syntax
- Allow students to find grammar rules in examples of texts or writing samples
- Grammar Rants (see links page for explanation and examples)
- Have students peer edit written work
- Writing conferences
- Model syntactical rules in instruction
- Provide reading opportunities in multiple genres