Subjects: Elementary Grammar + Grammar Picture Books

When should I begin grammar? Either you start grammar from a young age, in tandem with learning to read, or you wait until they are fluent readers. I prefer the latter for so many reasons, but mainly because there is simply no need. Learning to read takes a lot of brain power for a young child. Add to that learning about parts of speech (and they need to be able to read to do that) and it can lead to unnecessary frustration and confusion. At the earliest, I begin grammar in 3rd grade, but for some of my girls I waited even longer. And guess what - they caught on very quickly and know the parts of speech. 

What is good to do in the meantime? Read picture books! There are many delightful picture books that introduce grammar concepts. The series by Ruth Heller introduces all the parts of speech and is a great place to begin.

Word Fun Series 

Goes through many parts of speech and other grammar concepts. Great way to introduce a grammar concept. 

Slop Goes the Soup by Pamela Edwards (about onomatopoeias) 

Punctuation Takes a Vacation by Lauren Pulver

Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynn Truss (about commas) - her whole series is about grammar and writing topics 

Grammarland a fun book that tells a story with all the parts of speech as characters. It's very funny and great for all ages. It's an older book so you can read it for free online or find printed copies from many different publishers. 

The Dragon Grammar Book by Diane Mae Robinson 

This is not an exhaustive grammar book, but highlights various concepts that can be confusing in writing. Effect vs affect, who vs whom, using which or that, its vs its, subject verb agreement etc. This book has short and sweet lessons highlighting these concepts in a fun way for children. It is helpful for your child to have a basic understanding of grammar before this book would be super beneficial. Its a fun way to brush up on these concepts for yourself!

Grammar Series by Ruth Heller