Some old-fashioned teaching models are timeless. In this revised and expanded edition of First Grammar Lessons by Charlotte Mason, you'll discover one of them---the simple method of narration that focuses on conversation as a natural means of teaching grammar to your fourth to eighth graders. 178 pages, softcover.

I was so happy to have found Charlotte Mason's pocket-sized First Grammar Lessons years ago. It so simplified the subject of grammar for me that I re-titled it, Simply Grammar when I set out to share these lessons with other homeschooling parents.

Even though I revised the book, I kept to Charlotte's format of teaching one grammar rule per lesson. The lessons can easily be kept short when no more than 10 to 15 minutes are spent on accompanying exercises. Because my children like pictures, I incorporated many large 19th-century ones into the exercises. They give the student ideas with which to create his own sentences that employ his new knowledge of grammar. The book's large print makes it comfortable for students and teacher to read along together. Much of the work can be done orally. Any of the work can also be used for written assignments. With Simply Grammar, you are at liberty to follow a pace that suits your circumstances and your child's ability. No diagramming is required. It is a several-year program that can be used during the fourth through eighth grades.

—Karen

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Reviewed by Linda Marvel (Valparaiso, IN), March 18, 2010

All three of our children enjoyed using this material. The second day they wanted to do grammar. It is a come along side and learn together material. They are learning, enjoying learning and enjoying each other. I am excited to find such a material. We will see how day four goes.

Reviewed by Jenny (Landisville PA), August 06, 2009

This book seems to be written for girls - most of the pictures are very, very feminine and the lettering on the cover is pink. My daughter liked this book and loved the pictures! However, my son did not like it at all. He felt like he was using a "girl's book" and was totally not interested. I think it made him dislike grammar even more than he did before!

Reviewed by Ivania Castillo (Astoria, NY), March 19, 2009

Excellent grammar book! I used it with my 5th-grade daughter to reinforce concepts not well taught at public school. Definitively not boring compared to the dry, lifeless workbooks.

Reviewed by Diane (Franklin, IN), January 16, 2009

I purchased Simply Grammar as an alternative to a fill-in-the-blank workbook. I thought that this gentler approach would result in greater retention of the material. Instead, I found that my children were often confused by the awkward and antiquated wording in the lessons. I believe the concept of Simply Grammar is good, but the book would be more useful if it were written in a more modern style.

Reviewed by Lisa Strevel (Huntingdon, TN), November 26, 2008

Great Book! I love the old-fashioned teaching. It brings back memories. I think you will enjoy it.

Reviewed by Becky James (Laramie, WY), January 18, 2008

The title is enticing but the content is anything but simple. Difficult to follow and quite boring, to say the least. We will continue to shop for an effective teaching tool for our "right-brained" daughter.

Reviewed by jane (honolulu, hawaii), May 28, 2007

I found this book to be a HUGE disappointment. I feel it is overpriced and overrated.

Reviewed by Mrs. Jackson (Mass, Ohio), February 02, 2007

The beauty of this primer is in its simplicity. Pick up the book and read the lessons to your child using the "script" provided. You and your child will not be unnecessarily confused or bogged down by extras found in other workbook-based grammar programs. If you allow your child to answer the questions orally, the concepts will present themselves more naturally because your child already uses spoken grammar in the day-to-day speech.

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