Instruction

Grammar Pacing Guide

At Amplify, we know that one of the top priorities of ELA teachers is to help their students communicate ideas clearly and powerfully.

We recommend that teachers use the introductory Unit A’s to build the foundational writing skills of Focus, Use of Evidence, and Productivity, as well as the writing routines of writing time, Sharing, and working with feedback. When students are able to identify the ideas they want to communicate, and develop the stamina and motivation to write at length about them, both student and teacher gain a stronger understanding of the key grammar skills needed to boost clarity and power in writing. Amplify ELA measures success with grammar instruction by students integrating these skills correctly and purposefully in their regular writing activities.

Amplify offers a number of resources to support grammar instruction.

This Grammar Pacing Guide provides a sequence teachers might follow to provide grammar instruction and practice as part of each Flex Day. The sequence ensures coverage of grade-level grammar topics, review of topics that support a student’s steady control and understanding of key sentence building blocks, and a small preview of next year’s topics. For each topic (and corresponding standard), the guide recommends both a set of self-guided activities from the digital grammar unit and a whole-class lesson(s) or skill drill(s) from the Mastering Conventions resources. The teacher would choose the whole-class lesson for a class of students for whom the topic is largely new, or who need supported review. For topics with which students have a familiarity but could benefit from additional practice, the teacher would direct students to the identified lessons within the digital grammar unit. Amplify also encourages teachers to review the Table of Contents within Mastering Conventions One, Two, and Three and within Quill.org for a much more complete set of grammar lessons and drills.

While grammar instruction that targets specific topics is important, reinforcement and encouragement of topics within students’ own writing also strengthens learning. Amplify recommends that a teacher provide targeted feedback when they note a student using one of these grammar elements in writing activities, and assigning regular revision assignments that ask students to apply this skill to their own writing.

* Establish the Foundation: The topic is review of a standard or topic that was likely introduced in an earlier grade. Grade Level: The topic is identified by the standards for coverage at this grade level. Stepping Up: The topic provides a basic preview of a subsequent grade standard.
† Indicates Progressive Language Standard that was introduced in an earlier grade but requires continued attention.

Download the following guides as PDFs or view online: