How Rude! Teaching Grammar in Writing

My students love to write about their friends.  What five year old doesn't!  But, we have a little problem. Problem? Yes, problem.

Here's what our worked may have looked like.

Did you notice?  My students lacked manners in their writing. They talk about themselves first and then, mention their friend.

So, this week, we worked on changing our bad habits.  To begin, we read Manners at School. I wanted them to understand, the word, manners.  Then, I quickly created this anchor chart to help explain what to do instead.

Friends First Anchor Chart

I talked about how I liked my friend a lot and to show that I did, I would write her name first.  Here was the biggie. I also told them that it was bad manners to use the word me.  After much thought, the kids decided that I could use the word I.   

Since I have many English Language Learners, we practiced orally using the phrase ______ and I.  I had different kids come up and we just practiced the vocabulary.  Then, I sent them off to write. I watched and reminded them Friends First.  Almost all of them could do it. 

Here is what their worked may have looked like afterwards. 

There is still work to do but we are moving in the right direction.  Teaching grammar to young writers is important.  To help me, I love using this resource.  

Happy Teaching and Learning!