Lesson Title: Introduction
Section: Course Overview
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This online professional development is designed to enhance teachers’ knowledge and skills so they can
effectively teach grammar in the context of reading and writing. This professional development consists of
a series of lessons with videos that demonstrate how to teach specific grammar topics through the use of
authentic texts. The lessons are organized alphabetically and can be accessed in any order. The series can
be used as a set of sequential lessons or separately to address the particular needs of students.
The goal of this course is to increase teachers’ knowledge of specific grammar topics. The purpose of the
course is to increase teachers’ knowledge of basic grammar elements when taught in context, so that
teachers are equipped with the skills to diagnose and intervene when students are struggling in particular
areas.
[ADD SECTION ABOUT MENTOR SENTENCES]
Each lesson consists of an introduction and a video demonstration. A copy of the wall chart and a video
transcript are available for download for each lesson. Additionally, a handout is provided for each lesson
and viewers are encouraged to print the handout and complete the activities as presented in the videos.
Video Demonstrations
In the video demonstrations, viewers are invited to take an active role as a "student participant," in order to
practice the skills and better understand the concepts and effective instructional techniques. Handouts with
the mentor sentences are provided and participants are encouraged to print the handout and complete the
activities as presented in the videos.
A key element in the video demonstrations in this series is the depiction of the features of effective
instruction. The features of effective instruction are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Explicit instruction with modeling
Systematic instruction with scaffolding
Multiple opportunities for practice
Immediate and corrective feedback
Lesson 1: Apostrophes
Section: Introduction
Welcome to Lesson 1: Apostrophes.
There is one section in this lesson:

Video Demonstrations
The estimated time to complete this lesson is x minutes. You may download a copy of the wall chart, the
Apostrophes Handout, and a video transcript by clicking on the buttons below.
Click the "Next" button to proceed to the next section of the lesson.
Section: Video Demonstration
This lesson has two videos. You will need a copy of the Apostrophes Handout to complete the activities in
the video. Please download and print the handout before clicking play on the video.
[insert video 1]
Before clicking play on the next video, complete the following activity.
Now, try writing a sentence using one or more of the following words. Write your sentences on your
handout.
it's
you're
they're
its
your
their
Remember to substitute the two words for a contraction if you aren’t sure which form to use. You can look
back at the wall chart if you need a reminder.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 2]
When you are finished watching the video, complete the following activity on your handout.
Try to imitate this pattern and create your own sentences. Include two words with apostrophes–at least one
possessive noun and another contraction.
My heart's beating awfully fast as I _______________________.
Remember: Be on the lookout for examples of how authors use possessives and contractions as you read.
Try to find ways to incorporate them in your own writing.
You have reached the end of this lesson and you may proceed to the next lesson.
To access the list of lessons, follow these directions:



Click on the "Lessons" button on the left hand side of the screen.
Locate the title of the lesson you would like to join.
Click on the underlined lesson title to go to that lesson.
Lesson 2: Appositives
Section: Introduction
Welcome to Lesson 2: Appositives.
There is one section in this lesson:

Video Demonstrations
The estimated time to complete this lesson is x minutes. You may download a copy of the wall chart, the
Appositives Handout, and a video transcript by clicking on the buttons below.
Click the "Next" button to proceed to the next section of the lesson.
Section: Video Demonstration
This lesson has three videos. You will need a copy of the Appositives Handout to complete the activities in
the video. Please download and print the handout before clicking play on the video.
[insert video 1]
Before clicking play on the next video, complete the following activity.
Now, it's your turn to write a sentence using appositives. Use this pattern to write a sentence of your own
on your handout.
_____________, appositive,______________.
Example: Margie, the quietest one in our class, screamed louder than anyone at the pep rally.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 2]
Before clicking play on the next video, complete the following activity on your handout.
Write your own sentence with an appositive about something you have studied either in science, social
studies, history, or math class.
Then, try the simple test to see if it's nonrestrictive and needs a comma or commas.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 3]
When you are finished watching the video, complete the following activity on your handout.
Think about a place that you enjoy. Write three or four sentences about it. Then, combine the ideas and
use an appositive to create one sentence. After you have written your sentence, use the simple test to see if
it's a nonrestrictive appositive that needs a comma or commas or if it's a restrictive appositive that doesn't
need any commas.
Example:
Write three or four sentences about a place you enjoy.
I love to visit the River Walk.
It's a great place for shopping.
It is located in San Antonio.
Then, combine the ideas and use an appositive to create one sentence:
I love to visit the River Walk [a great place] [in San Antonio] [for shopping].
Next, use the simple test to see if it needs a comma or commas.
I love to visit the River Walk, a great place in San Antonio for shopping.
Be on the lookout for examples of how authors use appositives in the texts you are reading. Try to find
ways to incorporate appositives in your own writing.
You have reached the end of this lesson and you may proceed to the next lesson.
To access the list of lessons, follow these directions:



Click on the "Lessons" button on the left hand side of the screen.
Locate the title of the lesson you would like to join.
Click on the underlined lesson title to go to that lesson.
Lesson 3: Capitalization
Section: Introduction
Welcome to Lesson 3: Capitalization.
There is one section in this lesson:

Video Demonstrations
The estimated time to complete this lesson is x minutes. You may download a copy of the wall chart, the
Capitalization Handout, and a video transcript by clicking on the buttons below.
Click the "Next" button to proceed to the next section of the lesson.
Section: Video Demonstration
This lesson has three videos. You will need a copy of the Capitalization Handout to complete the activities
in the video. Please download and print the handout before clicking play on the video.
[insert video 1]
Now it’s your turn to practice using capital letters. On your handout, write a sentence about a place you’ve
been. Remember to capitalize proper nouns using what we’ve learned.
Here is an example:
Last year, Mr. Jennings took our class to the Bob Bullock Museum in Austin.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 2]
Now it’s your turn to practice writing a sentence using family titles. Include one title that should be
capitalized and one that isn’t capitalized. Write your sentence on your handout.
Example:
My sister drove me to Aunt Sadie’s house to meet our new baby cousin.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 3]
Now it’s your turn to write a sentence on your handout about your favorite song or book using what you
learned about capitalizing titles.
Example: My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
You have reached the end of this lesson and you may proceed to the next lesson.
To access the list of lessons, follow these directions:



Click on the "Lessons" button on the left hand side of the screen.
Locate the title of the lesson you would like to join.
Click on the underlined lesson title to go to that lesson.
Lesson 4: Colons
Section: Introduction
Welcome to Lesson 4: Colons.
There is one section in this lesson:

Video Demonstrations
The estimated time to complete this lesson is x minutes. You may download a copy of the wall chart, the
Colons Handout, and a video transcript by clicking on the buttons below.
Click the "Next" button to proceed to the next section of the lesson.
Section: Video Demonstration
This lesson has three videos. You will need a copy of the Colons Handout to complete the activities in the
video. Please download and print the handout before clicking play on the video.
[insert video 1]
Now it is your turn to write a sentence using this sentence pattern. Use your handout to record your
sentence.
If I were principal, I would change several things about our
school:______________________________________________________.
Example: If I were principal, I would change several things about our school: no more homework, a longer
lunch period, and a three-day weekend.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 2]
Now, take a look at your sentence: Make sure all the items that you listed after the colon are parallel. If not,
revise them now.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 3]
Now it's your turn to practice writing sentences using what we learned about colons. You’ll write two
sentences. The first one will use a colon to introduce a complete sentence and the second one will use a
colon to introduce an incomplete sentence. Use your handout to record your sentences.
Here's the thing: I'm ________________________________________________________________.
Example: Here’s the thing: She’s a really good writer.
My favorite ___________________________is______________________________ [Then after the
colon describe or tell more about it using a phrase].
Example: My favorite dessert is chocolate cake: three layers of dark chocolate with lots of pecans and
gooey caramel icing.
You have reached the end of this lesson and you may proceed to the next lesson.
To access the list of lessons, follow these directions:



Click on the "Lessons" button on the left hand side of the screen.
Locate the title of the lesson you would like to join.
Click on the underlined lesson title to go to that lesson.
Lesson 5: Dialogue
Section: Introduction
Welcome to Lesson 5: Dialogue.
There is one section in this lesson:

Video Demonstrations
The estimated time to complete this lesson is x minutes. You may download a copy of the wall chart, the
Dialogue Handout, and a video transcript by clicking on the buttons below.
Click the "Next" button to proceed to the next section of the lesson.
Section: Video Demonstration
This lesson has three videos. You will need a copy of the Dialogue Handout to complete the activities in
the video. Please download and print the handout before clicking play on the video.
[insert video 1]
Now, it's your turn. Imagine that you are talking with a friend about an assignment. Write the conversation
between the two of you. Include at least three direct quotations. Place each one at the beginning of the
sentence. Use what you have learned so far about writing dialogue. Use your handout to record your
dialogue.
Example:
"I'm worried about finishing my book report," I said.
"You should try working on it for an hour each night," Jimmy replied.
"That's a good idea."
"Will you let me know how it goes?" asked Jimmy.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 2]
Now, it's your turn to practice what we have just learned about writing different types of quotations.
First, write a direct quotation that comes at the end of a sentence and begins with the dialogue tag.
Example: Eleanor stated, "The assembly is cancelled."
Next, write a direct quotation that has more than one sentence plus a dialogue tag.
Example: "When the wind blows, we meet in the park and fly our kites. This is usually during the
month of March," said Kamir.
Then, write a one-sentence direct quotation that is interrupted by a dialogue tag.
Example: "Are you willing," she asked, "to give up yo your place in line?"
Use your handout to record your sentences.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 3]
When you are finished watching the video, complete the following activity.
Finish the dialogue for the scene below. Use what you have learned about quotation marks and direct
quotations. Remember to indent and start a new paragraph each time the speaker changes, use a capital
letter to begin the first sentence in each quotation and check the placement of all commas and end
punctuation.
It had been raining all day. Mr. Haines told us that the school fair had been moved to the gym. I was
upset. Our class had the dunking booth. James was worried. He didn't know what to do about the
floor. Laura had a great idea. James and I volunteered to help her.
What do you think the conversation would sound like? Maybe something like this?
Mr. Haines announced, "Because of the rain, the school fair cannot be held outside. It'll be held
in the gym."
"I can't believe it!" I cried.
Write your dialogue on your handout.
You have reached the end of this lesson and you may proceed to the next lesson.
To access the list of lessons, follow these directions:



Click on the "Lessons" button on the left hand side of the screen.
Locate the title of the lesson you would like to join.
Click on the underlined lesson title to go to that lesson.
Lesson 6: Simple and Compound Sentences
Section: Introduction
Welcome to Lesson 6: Simple and Compound Sentences.
There is one section in this lesson:

Video Demonstrations
The estimated time to complete this lesson is x minutes. You may download a copy of the wall chart, the
Dialogue Handout, and a video transcript by clicking on the buttons below.
Click the "Next" button to proceed to the next section of the lesson.
Section: Video Demonstration
This lesson has four videos. You will need a copy of the Simple and Compound Sentences Handout to
complete the activities in the video. Please download and print the handout before clicking play on the
video.
[insert video 1]
Now, it's your turn. Write two simple sentences about your favorite food. Mark the subject and predicate in
each one. Use your handout to record your sentences.
Example
I
S
like spaghetti.
pred
My mom
S
cooks it every Wednesday night.
pred
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 2]
Before proceeding to the next section, rewrite the other two sentence fragments on your handout so that
they are complete sentences. When you are finished, click play on the video below.
[insert video 3]
Before proceeding to the next section, combine your two sentences you wrote about your favorite to make a
compound sentence.
Use this compound sentence pattern.
Simple sentence, and simple sentence.
Example:
I like spaghetti, and my mom cooks it every Wednesday night.
Use your handout to record your sentence.
When you are finished, click play on the video below.
[insert video 4]
We can use this pattern to help us remember how to create compound sentences with FANBOYS.
Simple sentence + , + FANBOYS + simple sentence .
Now, it's your turn. Write at least three compound sentences using for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Pay
attention to the relationship between the sentences and chose your FANBOY carefully. Use your handout
to record your sentences.
Try to use both simple and compound sentences in your writing. Use the wall chart. Be on the lookout for
examples of sentences that use FANBOYS in your readings.
You have reached the end of this lesson and you may proceed to the next lesson.
To access the list of lessons, follow these directions:



Click on the "Lessons" button on the left hand side of the screen.
Locate the title of the lesson you would like to join.
Click on the underlined lesson title to go to that lesson.
Lesson 7: Active and Passive Verbs
Section: Introduction
Welcome to Lesson 7: Active and Passive Verbs.
There is one section in this lesson:

Video Demonstrations
The estimated time to complete this lesson is x minutes. You may download a copy of the wall chart, the
Active and Passive Verbs Handout, and a video transcript by clicking on the buttons below.
Click the "Next" button to proceed to the next section of the lesson.
Section: Video Demonstration
This lesson has four videos. You will need a copy of the Active and Passive Verbs Handout to complete the
activities in the video. Please download and print the handout before clicking play on the video.
[insert video 1]
Now, it’s your turn to practice using powerful verbs that show rather than tell.
Write a sentence using one of these action verbs. You may use any form of the verb.
Throb
Pace
Snicker
Chatter
Drizzle
Saturate
Devour
Ponder
Scrub
Example:
Mom drizzled the icing on the top of each cupcake.
Use your handout to record your sentence.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 2]
Now, it’s your turn to practice.
Think about a time when you or someone else was afraid.
On your handout, write several sentences about what happened. Try to not use verbs of being. Use action
verb forms that can stand alone and "show" rather than "tell" what happened. Remember to be consistent
and use the same tense in all your sentences.
Example: As I stood at the bus stop, the wind drove me against the trash bin. My eyes blurred from its
force. Something groaned and squeezed my ankle. I whirled around just as the bus screeched to a stop. I
darted through the door to safety.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 3]
Before proceeding to the next video, complete the following activity on your handout.
Mark the sentences as either active or passive. Remember to identify the subject to help you make your
decision about whether each sentence is written in the active or passive voice.
The worm is caught by the early bird.
Time heals all wounds.
The early bird catches the worm.
All wounds are healed by time.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 4]
Now it’s your turn. Complete the last activity for this lesson on your handout.
You have reached the end of this lesson and you may proceed to the next lesson.
To access the list of lessons, follow these directions:



Click on the "Lessons" button on the left hand side of the screen.
Locate the title of the lesson you would like to join.
Click on the underlined lesson title to go to that lesson.
Lesson 8: Writing a Series
Section: Introduction
Welcome to Lesson 6: Writing a Series.
There is one section in this lesson:

Video Demonstrations
The estimated time to complete this lesson is x minutes. You may download a copy of the wall chart, the
Writing a Series Handout, and a video transcript by clicking on the buttons below.
Click the "Next" button to proceed to the next section of the lesson.
Section: Video Demonstration
This lesson has two videos. You will need a copy of the Writing a Series Handout to complete the activities
in the video. Please download and print the handout before clicking play on the video.
[insert video 1]
Now it is your turn to write a sentence with a series of items separated by commas that describes what you
see when you look out the window. Complete the following activity on your handout before proceeding to
the next video.
Remember to use nouns or noun phrases.
Use this pattern to write your sentence.
I see _______________________________________, ______________________________, and
_________________________________.
Example:
I see the freshly painted flagpole, the empty sidewalk, and the line of yellow school buses.
Use your handout to record your sentence.
When you are ready to proceed, click play on the video below.
[insert video 2]
Now it’s your turn. Complete the following activity on your handout.
Write a sentence using this sentence pattern.
_________________________smelled like ___________________,_______________________, and
___________________________.
Example:
Valerie’s locker smelled like sweat, nail polish, and rotten bananas.
Remember to use commas to separate the items and make sure they are parallel. Try to paint a picture with
your words.
Be on the lookout for examples of how authors use items in a series in your readings and try to find ways to
incorporate lists into your own writing.
You have reached the end of this lesson.
To access the list of lessons, follow these directions:



Click on the "Lessons" button on the left hand side of the screen.
Locate the title of the lesson you would like to join.
Click on the underlined lesson title to go to that lesson.