Determine that students will master basic grammar by eighth grade. A master scope and sequence verifies that this decision has been made. A school need not allow a textbook publisher to mandate that students restudy in high school the basic grammar they should have learned by eighth grade. Teach grammar by objectives, using the six steps for teaching an objective and teaching for mastery. Teacher presents definitions and basic facts, relating new material to previously learned material.
Teacher gives examples.
Students practice, using worksheets, items on the board or overhead, or oral questioning by the teacher. Teacher uses testing, oral or written, to determine whether or not students have learned the material. Teach composition and study skills every day. When teachers teach by objectives, using the textbook or workbook as an aid or a tool, not as the lesson, they can teach grammar in 15 to 20 minutes a day and use the remaining time for composition and study skills instruction and practice. Most students need, and all students benefit from, direct instruction in writing and study skills.