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Grammar Tells a Story: Transforming Literacy with Montessori Storytelling
Written by Michael J. Dorer
Montessori grammar lessons formally begin in the 3-6 program. As they move through Elementary Montessori education, grammar lessons usually have at least one complete shelf. Sometimes that shelf stays dustier than it should. For many Montessori guides and parents, formal grammar instruction was not a part of our own education. In his book, Michael Dorer describes that it was presented to him as a threat. It is no wonder many adults have the desire to avoid grammar and are amazed at how excited children are to work with grammar.
In Grammar Tells a Story Michael Dorer has helped many parents and teachers by presenting the organization of the grammar work with explanations in the first section of the book and following this up with more details before each story. If you are teaching at home or want to understand the work your child demonstrates to you, this material is very helpful. For those who feel grammar could be used as a threat, or just don’t understand why we need to learn about it, he has explained it so kindly and with humor.
The stories themselves are entertaining. They are not meant to be read directly from the book, but to be made your own. Change the names and gender as it works for your group. Practice a few times and suddenly you can share stories that further develop grammar skills and often get a laugh. Stories are a fun and memorable way to strengthen learning and connection. When you add grammar information to the stories, you are developing all sorts of areas of literacy.
This book is great for any classroom and for those at home who feel grammar is a bit scary. The book is available through Montessori Services and other booksellers.
