Hi, I'm new on this list.  I'd like to start a discussion of
grammar texts that work well in college prep. high school
classes.  I am using <Grammar Fundamentals> this year, but its
explanations and examples are sometimes too sophisticated for
ninth graders.  I like having plenty of exercises that help the
students understand the grammatical concepts.  <GF> has
exercises that analyze as well as those that ask students to
revise sentences.  For example, the comma practice sheet has
students give the reason for a comma in a given place.  I like
its sophisticated approach in that respect, but I don't want to
overwhelm my students with more analysis than they need.  On
the other hand, a book like <Rules of Thumb> seems overly
simplistic.
 
Another possible topic for use to explore--do you find that the
more students do themselves, practice sheets, worksheets,
whatever you want to call them, the more they gain mastery?
What balance of theory versus practice do you find works best?
How do you measure the results?  In their ability to identify
grammatical structures?  In their improved writing?
 
Perhaps my questions cover old ground for many of the members of this
list, but I would certainly love to hear your ideas.
Carole Hamilton
English teacher, St. Anne's-Belfield
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