I had very few grammar lessons when I was in school. Unfortunately, grammar education has been neglected for several decades. 7) Surprisingly, I didn't know much (if any) grammar theory before I became an ESL teacher? Why do you think that is?Įlizabeth O'Brien: I wish I could say that I’m surprised to hear that, but I’m not. If there is anything that you want in life, from learning grammar to starting your own business, you can do it if you believe in yourself and start acting on your desires. I really like motivational quotes, and I’ll have to refer to Walt Disney on this one. I do love quotes, but I don’t use them much in that situation. If you want a more thorough program that will teach you everything in the right order, the Get Smart course is your ticket.Ħ) What is your favorite quote to tell students when they are frustrated with learning grammar?Įlizabeth O'Brien: Oh, dear. You can even begin doing sentence diagramming exercises right on the website if you’d like to give it a shot.
SENTENCE DIAGRAMMING PROGRAM FREE
5) If anyone is curious about sentence diagramming, (like me for example) how would you suggest starting? What course would be a good introduction to it?Įlizabeth O'Brien: A great way for people to start is by using the free information that is available on the English Grammar Revolution website. Of course, that doesn't mean that everyone will love it and find it useful.
I believe that knowing the basics is practically valuable, but I think some people get discouraged when prematurely tackling a grammatically complex sentence that amounts to advanced calculus.ĭiagramming is a relatively simple tool that really can be grasped by everyone. If you want to learn the basics of English grammar, you can. The trick is to start at the beginning and take one step at a time. What about people who don't understand sentence diagramming though? 4) How do you get people to think outside the box? How do you respond to people like me, who just don't understand it?Įlizabeth O'Brien: For some people, grammar and sentence diagramming can be a challenge, but everyone can “get it.” Ok Elizabeth! You've got me curious and excited!
Sentence diagramming is definitely for children and adults! When you are an adult, and you make these kinds of realizations about the language that you've been using all of your life, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by how awesome it is. It also gives adults a fresh perspective on the language they've always used and taken for granted. Diagramming has this game-like quality that makes it kind of addictive. I started learning grammar with diagrams when I was an adult, and I loved it. I've heard the same story over and over again from other adults, as well.Ĭreating sentence diagrams is like solving a word puzzle, and many adults enjoy completing puzzles. I actually think that it is better for older children and adults than it is for younger children. 3) Is sentence diagramming just for children and younger students or could it be used with adult students? All of my students are adults in the workforce, and I'm not sure that sentence diagramming would be a good fit.Įlizabeth O'Brien: Sentence diagramming is a GREAT tool for adults. If only my teachers had used that method with me! I wanted to bring this information to the world beyond my classroom, so I started the website to offer teachers and students a new (but old) approach to grammar.ĭo you want to "meet" Elizabeth? You can watch her on YouTube. They understood the information, and they enjoyed learning it. My love of grammar blossomed, and I began to see how useful sentence diagramming was for students. The principal at this school insisted that the students have a separate class devoted to grammar and that we use sentence diagrams to teach the students. 2) What inspired you to create Elizabeth O'Brien: I taught at a fantastic private school for a few years, and one of the classes I taught was a grammar class. I began to enjoy grammar and sentence diagramming. It was the right combination: the visual diagrams, the professor’s clear explanations, and my motivation to understand.įinally, it all clicked. I had to take a grammar class for my minor (TESOL), and my professor taught us grammar systematically and supplemented the lessons with sentence diagrams. Then, I had a wonderful experience in college. For the first time in my life, I thought that maybe I was just not cut out to understand something. That experience negatively impacted my self-esteem. Have you ever tried diagramming sentences? It might be exactly what you need to succeed. Elizabeth knows how difficult, and frustrating learning Grammar can be and that is why I believe her website and courses are so helpful.
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