Fully updated, the second edition of Jumpstart Grammar is a collection of simple-to-use, multi-sensory games and activities that will jumpstart pupils’ understanding of grammar in action. Jumpstart Grammar will prepare children for any grammar tests on the horizon in an engaging way.
Hook your reader toolkit
This is a guide for teachers on how to encourage pupils to write in a way that would ‘hook’ a reader.
Connectives and sentence signposts: the art of linking text
“Understanding the power of sentence signposts to link paragraphs, sentences, and information within sentences is key to achieving cohesive text that flows logically. They take the reader by the hand and guide them through the text somewhat like a sat nav guides a driver”.
Utilising Apps for Talk for Writing
This article will explore a number of apps that lend themselves to the Talk for Writing process and ethos. Focusing on the Top 5 (according to Talk for Writing expert Maria Richards) in a number of categories, these apps will hopefully get you started on your iPad and Talk for Writing journey!
Grammar dominoes game
Word dominoes can be an excellent way of consolidating the pupils’ confidence with using the key vocabulary of any unit and is great for grammatical terms. The aim of this game is to be able to link all the dominoes in a line.
Matching activities
Matching activities are much more fun and more effective than grammar exercises because they involve the pupils in discussing the best fit. This document contains examples of matching grammar activities to embed understanding once classes have been taught the features referred to.
Text ingredients game
The Text Ingredients Game is a great game for building older pupils’ confidence in understanding the typical key ingredients of the different text types. It can be adapted to reflect the terminology that your class should be familiar with.
Punctuation sorting game
This document is a downloadable printable sheet of punctuation sorting cards. It is referenced in the Jumpstart Grammar book. Grammar tests are becoming increasingly difficult with more emphasis on the naming of obscure parts, for example the past progressive.
Apostrophe sorting game
An apostrophe sorting game created by Julia Strong and referenced in the Jumpstart Grammar book. Download the file below, cut it up and then ask the children to sort the different uses of the apostrophe into their different categories.