Spag (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar)

[ginx]

My dd2 is really struggling with punctuation and grammar. She doesn't know when to use semi-colons or colons; and she keeps talking about active and passive sentences, but clearly does not understand.

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about active and passive verbs? sentences? either. Can anyone explain briefly (you're all clever on here!) or recommend a book or web site for me or dd2? I feel rather stupid and embarrassed, but I'm going to go and see her teacher after school to ask her to explain it to me, so I can help my dd2. I don't understand.

Anybody else struggling, or is it plain sailing for most?

[countrymum]

Ginx, I'm all verbed out and have heard of certain verbs I never knew existed

This link may be a benefit regarding active and passive

http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/gramm ... ive-verbs/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Okanagan]

Or this one perhaps.

I suspect a lot of us are probably form that generation when teaching grammar was unfashionable so are finding this difficult as our kids are being tested at 11 on grammar which we were never taught ourselves.

For punctuation this is a reasonably succinct explanation.

[countrymum]

Great links! Thanks for sharing.

[ahap]

Letts- Louis Fidge

Smelly Spelling
Stupendous Spelling
Grumpy Grammar
Gruesome Grammar

[ginx]

Thanks, everyone. I've printed all your recommendations out so have plenty to look at!

I'm looking forward to dd2's teacher explaining passive/active to me. Hopefully she will be able to explain it clearly. I'm not sure she will.

And I thought maths was hard!

Thank you.

[secondtime]

The books being used at my DDs school are impossibly hard for Spag. However the 'example' paper issued looks very straightforward.

I just got confused with 'phrases' and 'clauses' - I am in 'that' generation! much to my DDs amusement.

[TIDDLYMUM]

'The New First Aid in English' book is a classic, been going for years. Google it, I think about £7.00

[Okanagan]

Or in the EPE shop - here

[moved]

Grammar terminology has changed over the years. I wasn't taught grammar either, but developed it through MFL and years in the publishing industry.

Many teachers are finding this tough too. I would be guided by the sample papers and ensure that any work books that you use at home are up to date and hopefully fun!