In this review of Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation, we will explore the features and layout of the newest addition to Evan-Moor’s Skill Sharpeners series.
We can all agree that grammar and punctuation are quite important in written communication. Evan-Moor makes it possible for kids to enjoy practicing these skills.
Let’s take a look inside Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation, the latest addition to Evan-Moor’s Skill Sharpeners full-color activity book series.
The Layout of Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation
The table of contents clearly outlines the contents of each themed unit. This detailed list shows what specific skills are taught. It allows you and your kids to track their progress.
Each of the 15 themed units of Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation includes:
- A story or article that highlights the grammar and punctuation skills in a real-life situation.
- Grammar rules that are clearly stated in their own colored box. It clearly stands out on the page to make sure kids see and understand the concepts.
- Short theme-based activities and games where kids practice the grammar and punctuation rules. The activities vary from unit to unit, but each unit follows a similar structure. The kids enjoy the meaningful and engaging activities. This is great for easy planning, too.
- Activities that invite kids to use both critical thinking and writing skills. These activities ensure kids really understand and use grammar skills in their own writing.
- A review page. This can be used as an assessment if you prefer.
Here is an example from Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation grade 4.
The “Away at Camp” unit begins with two friendly letters between friends at camp. The grammar focus is on commonly confused words, while the punctuation focus is using commas in a letter.
There are two pages to help kids edit friendly letters that are missing commas.
An application page invites the kids to rewrite letters from camp that have errors with commonly confused words and missing commas.
Finally, the unit concludes with a quick review, which can be used as an assessment if you would like.
Additional Resources in Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation
In addition to the themed units, Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation also features a Language Handbook that can easily be torn out and used as a reference book once the activities are complete.
The Language Handbook is ideal for kids to store in their writer’s notebook; it can also be used when kids are editing their own writing.
Another resource is a full-color answer key included at the back of the book. It is wonderful for kids to be able to check their own work. It makes Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation a great option for independent work.
Build Your Kids’ Confidence with Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation
If your kids love writing, Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation will be a fun way to increase their confidence when using grammar and punctuation skills.
If your kids could use a little more grammar practice, then Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation offers quick and engaging activities that keep kids focused. By completing one page a day, your kids can successfully practice their grammar skills without being overwhelmed.
At $9.99 each, my kids are thrilled to have a colorful activity book that they enjoy using for learning fun. Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation is available in each grade level from PreK–grade 6.
Curious About Other Skill Sharpeners Books?
If you haven’t checked out the other colorful activity books in the Skill Sharpeners series yet, now is the time to discover this teaching gem for grades PreK–grade 6!
My kids enjoy Skill Sharpeners and often ask to work ahead of their one page a day assignment. The topics always hold their interest. Most of all, I appreciate how Skill Sharpeners books show kids real-life ways that the skills are used.
Evan-Moor’s Skill Sharpeners series are packed with fun ways to practice skills. Skill Sharpeners are available in the following subjects:
Evan-Moor organizes each Skill Sharpeners book into kid-friendly themes. The themes are color-coded so the kids (and you) can easily see the kids’ progress.
Skill Sharpeners are such a fun addition to independent practice – whether at home or school.
Using Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation in Your Homeschool Curriculum
If you are looking for homeschool curriculum resources, Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation pairs well with Language Fundamentals.
Be sure and check out a specific list of grammar and punctuation skills offered in each grade level of Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation to see which level is right for your child!
View this video for more information on Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation.
Amy Michaels is a certified teacher with 11 years of elementary classroom experience who is actively homeschooling her own children. Her mission is share the best teaching methods and resources with all homeschoolers. Amy supports parents through her podcasts, webinars, and online training for homeschoolers on her website www.thrivehomeschooling.com.