Why grammar should feel like “meaning”, not memorizing rules
Grammar is easiest when it helps children say what they mean. Instead of drills, focus on choosing words that tell a story: who, what happened, and one detail.
When grammar connects to ideas, children write with purpose — and confidence grows faster than from memorising forms.
Nouns made easy (person/place/thing/idea + naming game)
Explain nouns simply: a noun names a person, place, thing or idea. Play a quick naming game: pick a toy and ask, “Who is this? Where is it? What is it?”
Use daily contexts (school, park, kitchen) so the noun bank stays relevant and memorable.
Sentence building first: who + did what (subject + verb)
Start with small sentences: subject (who) and verb (did what). Model it: “The boy (who) runs (did what).” Then extend by adding one detail.
Use the I do → we do → you do model: write one sentence together, then let the child finish the next one.
The 4‑sentence paragraph frame (topic, detail, detail, closer)
Teach a simple structure: 1) Topic sentence (what the paragraph is about). 2) Two detail sentences (one or two facts). 3) Closer (wrap-up or feeling).
Sample Grade 1 paragraph: “My cat is small. It likes milk. It sleeps on my bed. I love my cat.”
Sample Grade 2 paragraph: “Ria went to the park. She saw a green kite. The kite flew very high. Ria was very happy.”
Week 7 plan (7 days, 12 minutes/day)
Daily structure: warm-up naming game (2 min), guided sentence building (6–8 min), short independent write or draw (2–3 min). Keep sessions short and celebratory.
Day 1 — Noun naming + write one sentence
Play naming game with toys and write one sentence together: “The dog runs.”
Day 2 — Add a verb and one detail
Model who + did what + detail. Use a picture to prompt ideas.
Day 3 — Paragraph frame practice
Work through the 4 sentences together using prompts.
Day 4 — Independent attempt (draw + write)
Child draws the scene, labels nouns, and writes short sentences with help.
Day 5 — Game day (see bank)
Use grammar games to practise sentence parts without pressure.
Day 6 — Build a paragraph together
Parent and child each write two sentences, then read the paragraph aloud.
Day 7 — Share + celebrate
Child reads their paragraph to a family member. Give specific praise for content (not handwriting).
10 quick grammar games (no heavy worksheets)
- Noun Hunt — find five nouns in a room.
- Verb Charades — act out verbs and guess.
- Detail Swap — change one detail in a sentence.
- Story Dice — roll and make a one-line sentence.
- Sentence Jigsaw — cut a sentence into parts and reorder.
- Picture Prompt — draw and label nouns/verbs.
- Role Play — act the paragraph.
- Two‑word challenge — make a sentence with two cards.
- Finish the line — parent starts, child finishes.
- Praise Badge — award badges for three clear sentences.
Mini word banks for Grades 1–2 (nouns/verbs/adjectives)
Grade 1 nouns: cat, dog, ball, school, mom. Verbs: runs, eats, sleeps, plays. Adjectives: big, small, red, happy.
Grade 2 nouns: kite, park, teacher, cake, friend. Verbs: flew, climbed, shared, laughed. Adjectives: blue, tall, noisy, bright.
Troubleshooting (child writes 1‑line only / repeats words / messy spelling / refuses to write)
If your child writes one line, celebrate it and slowly add a second the next day. For repeated words, offer gentle prompts: “Can you think of another word that means the same?”
If spelling is messy, focus on ideas and use a word bank for correct spellings nearby. If the child refuses, switch to drawing or oral storytelling and try writing later.
Done checklist + Week 8 tenses teaser
- Can write 3 simple sentences that make sense.
- Uses at least one noun and one verb correctly.
- Feels proud to share their paragraph.
When these are true, move to Week 8 where we use colour coding to teach past/present/future in short spoken and written activities.
Parent scripts (“Let’s say it first… now write it.”)
Script: “Let’s say one sentence about your picture. Now I will write it and you say the words. Your turn to write one.”
Confidence tip: three good sentences = success. Celebrate content and ideas before neatness.