Think grammar has to be boring? Think again. Patty McGee shares fun, powerful strategies that help students build better sentences—without the shame or worksheet
Grammar can be tough to teach. I’ve heard some teachers say that it can’t be fun. On the contrary, my remarkable teacher friend! Patty McGee is just a joy. She finds a way to make grammar fun and even suggests grammar manipulatives.
I had a very exciting realization when I graduated from high school. Literally. I would never have to diagram a sentence again. (It was the only thing Mrs. Caldwell taught I didn’t like, sorry Mrs. Caldwell!)
But as Patty McGee, author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar, teaches us how we can make grammar instruction fun. It can be playful and effective. You don’t need expensive tools—just curiosity and creativity. Get ready to have some fun with grammar! (I can’t really believe I said that!)
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✨ Key Takeaways
🤔 How can we teach grammar without shame or frustration?
Patty discusses how traditional grammar instruction often brings shame. Her method replaces shame with curiosity and creativity, starting with sentence play—not memorization.
“We use grammar to shape our words and writing—like a sculptor uses a chisel.” – Patty McGee
🧱 What grammar strategies help students build better sentences?
Forget rote worksheets. Patty shares her “sentences from a sentence” approach and even uses grammar manipulatives. These allow students to physically rearrange words, debate grammar choices, and record their own sentence creations.
“Manipulating language this way is like math—it sparks engagement and deeper understanding.” – Patty McGee
🧩 Can grammar actually be fun?
Yes! Patty shares an unforgettable story of how a student used grammar as he repeated an announcement from the fun office. He was having fun with grammar! These strategies are effective because they invite play, encourage debate, and transform grammar into a collaborative puzzle.
“Play is different than games—there are no winners or losers, just joyful learning.” – Patty McGee
🤝 Why relationships matter when teaching grammar
Using Hattie’s research, Patty emphasizes how play builds relationships, strengthens SEL, and supports student talk. Teachers guide, celebrate, and coach—not correct and shame.
“Delight in what students create—it builds language, SEL, and trust.” – Patty McGee
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🔗 Links Mentioned in the Show
Meet Our Guest: Patty McGee👤
Patty is an author, educator, and consultant whose passion and vision is to create learning environments where teachers and students discover their true potential and power. Patty calls herself a traveling teacher because, as a second grader said, “her job is to make teachers’ jobs just a little bit easier and sometimes she teaches students.”
She has served schools nationally and internationally to support literacy teaching and learning. Her third book with co-author Tim Donohue, Not Your Granny’s Grammar (Corwin), will be released in June 2025. Learn more about Patty and her work at www.pattymcgee.org.
Blog: www.pattymcgee.org
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-mcgee-36507926/
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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