Grammar instruction plays such a big role in improving reading comprehension! Grammar and syntax gives readers the tools to understand the structure and meaning of texts. At its core, grammar helps students grasp how words work together.

GRAMMAR IS HOW we put words together to form coherent sentences, which is essential for decoding the meaning of complex sentences, paragraphs, and texts as a whole.

When students learn grammar, they develop an understanding of sentence construction. This knowledge allows them to identify the main ideas, follow the flow of information, and differentiate between the main and supporting points within a text. For example, recognizing subordinate clauses helps readers identify relationships between ideas within the sentence. And understanding conjunctions aids in connecting those ideas logically.

I actually advocate for teaching students sentence diagramming to aid in comprehension. It really does help students understand what they’re reading if they can read a really tough sentence and break it down to main subject and verb. Want to see what I mean? Try it out with your students and let me know how it goes.

Additionally, grammar instruction equips students with the ability to infer meaning from unfamiliar words or phrases based on their context. By understanding how different parts of speech function within sentences, readers can better predict or deduce the meaning of new vocabulary, which ultimately enhances overall comprehension.

Teaching students to use Context Clues is just as much about vocabulary as it is about grammar. Check out some of my products related to using context clues here.

So how do we do teach grammar, while also doing ALLLLLLL of the other things… because we don’t have time for everything, right?!?!

I try to integrate grammar instruction into what I am already doing as much as possible. Using the texts that I am already required to read with my students, I teach skills necessary to read THOSE texts.

The first thing that I do when I start grammar work is to provide a WHY for my students. They need some buy in for why they should care about grammar. Additionally, many of them don’t even know what grammar really is — so I use this free lesson to help them understand what they’re getting into and help to sell them on the fact that grammar is important.

Only after they have set a personal intention for learning about and studying grammar do I get into the components of grammar that will effect what we’re reading.

Here are Three Steps to Creating a Grammar Lesson That DIRECTLY Links to Comprehending Grade Level Curricular Texts:

First, look at your text and find the key grammar concepts that are necessary for understanding that text. Whatever it is that you are reading, identify the specific grammar structures that will impact comprehension, such as complex sentence types, subordinate clauses, or unfamiliar punctuation. Focus on the grammatical features that are essential for understanding the main ideas and nuances of that specific text.

Then, teach the identified grammar structures using examples DIRECTLY FROM THE TEXT. Don’t teach grammar in isolation. It is easier to make an isolated parts of speech quiz or have AI write some examples for you but, by using the material that you’re reading to teach these concepts, you’re not only teaching them, you’re also aiding in comprehension.

Need some ideas? What texts are you teaching? I’ve got you covered!

You can also check out how I teach grammar with The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton.

Break down complex sentences, explain how the grammar functions within them, and show how understanding these structures clarifies the meaning of your text. This approach helps students see the immediate connection between grammar and comprehension.

Finally, after teaching the grammar concepts, have students apply their knowledge by analyzing other parts of the text. Ask them to deconstruct sentences, identify key grammatical elements, and explain how understanding the structure enhances their comprehension. Encourage discussions about how the grammar supports the author’s intent and message.

You can also have them use the text as a mentor text and WRITE THEIR OWN examples!

It definitely isn’t the easiest way to teach grammar but it is absolutely more worthwhile for your students. After they have a basic understanding of the concepts, using the text as a guide, use one of these fun activities to bring it home for them.

After teaching this way, use some fun ways to review and make sure that they don’t forget.

Five Fun Activities to Teach Any Grammar Concept

1. Grammar Jeopardy
   Turn grammar practice into a game by creating a Jeopardy-style board with categories like “Tenses,” “Parts of Speech,” “Sentence Types,” and “Punctuation.” Students can choose a category and answer progressively harder questions to earn points. This competitive format energizes learning and engages students in applying grammar rules.
2. Sentence Scramble
   Write grammatically correct sentences on strips of paper, cutting them into individual words or phrases. Mix them up and challenge students to work in pairs or groups to reconstruct the sentences. This hands-on activity helps students understand word order and sentence structure in a fun, interactive way.
3. Grammar Charades
   Assign different grammar concepts (e.g., past tense, adverbs, conjunctions) for students to act out without speaking, while the rest of the class guesses the concept. For example, a student might mime a specific action in the past to convey a verb tense. This combines physical movement with learning, making grammar more memorable.
4. Grammar Scavenger Hunt
   Create a scavenger hunt where students have to find examples of specific grammar concepts around the classroom or school (in books, posters, or worksheets). You can also provide them with a list of grammar features (like adjectives, compound sentences, or prepositions) and have them locate and explain examples in a text they’re reading.
5. Funny Fill Ins with a Twist
   Use Funny Fill Ins (aka Mad Libs) to teach parts of speech in a creative way. Provide students with sentences or short stories where key grammar elements are missing, and they have to fill them in based on the required part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.). Afterward, they can read their funny stories aloud, showing how word choice affects meaning while reinforcing grammar concepts.

Things like vocabulary and content knowledge are often emphasized when we lament the lack of reading comprehension that our students are capable of BUT grammar instruction serves as a foundation that helps students navigate complex texts, build fluency, and develop deeper comprehension skills. By teaching students how language works, we can provide our students with the tools to unlock meaning in everything they read.