If you want to express yourself so others can easily understand what you are trying to say, whether in person or in writing, you need to have a firm grasp on grammar. That’s why I want to introduce you to GrammarPlanet, a brand new, online subscription-based language arts program.
For the past several weeks I’ve been using this program in order to share this review with you and I must say I am impressed and I’m learning new things! Having a solid foundation in grammar gives us the building blocks of our language and it’s structure, so as a homeschool teacher I want my children to have a mastery of this subject before graduating. There may be different ideas on how to approach teaching grammar but one thing is certain, we need to be able to express ourselves and make our ideas understood. That’s where this curriculum can be helpful.
Once you’ve set up an account and added your child(ren) or student(s), you’ll be able to view the short video lessons (10 minutes or so) given by a real instructor, access printable lesson pages that give student explanations, examples and process steps that coordinate with the lessons presented.
Throughout the lesson, the video pauses to give student an interactive question to keep them focused. Once the multiple choice question is answered, the video automatically picks up where it left off.
Following each video, your student will practice parsing sentences (labeling the parts of speech) and in Unit 6 begin diagram sentences, using the information and method laid out by the instructor. These practice exercises are corrected immediately and student gets feedback as to what was wrong and what was correct.
There are currently 13 Units ready in this program with many more coming. Because the units move from the most basic grammar labels, nouns, and move forward adding in additional terms and more complicated sentence structures, a child (or adult) with little to no grammar instruction can work through this program.
Common nouns are introduced first, followed by proper nouns, adjectives, articles, prepositions, etc. Each part of speech is given an abbreviation and/or symbol that is used for parsing. Ms. Karl gives a specific order and process for how to do this, and when these directions are followed in that order it takes the mystery out of grammar.
This program is written in such a way that it customizes the material presented to you. At the end of each exercise you are given a percentage score, and shown what was marked incorrectly. If you make too many mistakes, you’ll be given additional practice exercises. If mistakes are too numerous, the students account will be locked and parent/teacher is sent an email asking them to unlock and reset the child’s lessons. They can then go back and re-watch the video lessons and practice parsing sentences once again. It is also recommended that the home teacher/parent spend time with student at that point going over the pages of notes and talk through the things that are giving difficulty.
As the parent, the dashboard on my account shows all my children (students) and their progress. I can see what unit they are on and what percentage they have received on the lessons and what mistakes have been made. Progress reports are also emailed to me as each child passes (or does not pass) a unit.
GrammarPlanet is applicable for students of any and all ranges of grammar knowledge – from nothing to just needing review. It based on Analytical Grammar, a popular grammar program for many years. You don’t have to have used that, though, in order to be able to use the fully digital program they have created at GrammarPlanet.
Erin Karl, co-creator of GrammarPlanet, shared a little about the ‘why’ this program has come about:
“The creation of GrammarPlanet is the realization of a years-long dream to be able to make grammar education … REAL grammar education … available and affordable for anyone, regardless of the type of school, the economic background, the location, etc. While there are a lot of homeschoolers who will benefit from it, I also hope low-income schools, students who go to schools that don’t teach it, and adults who never learned it, will be able to finally learn HOW our language works and therefore learn how to speak and write it correctly.
The core philosophy behind GP is my mother’s creation: Analytical Grammar, a book-based program that has been on the homeschool market for more than two decades. Mom passed away more than three years ago, but before her death we were talking about how cool it would be to have a website like this. It’s SO exciting to me that the dream she (and Jerry!) and I discussed back then is now real. Her way of teaching grammar is just SO GOOD. I want as many people around the world as possible to have access to it, and digital is by far the way to go to achieve that dream.” ~Erin Karl, Grammar Planet~
Ms. Karl is the video instructor, speaking directly to the student watching. She has made available notes to print that follow along with the script of the lessons and the examples given in the lessons. As a member of the Homeschool Review Crew I was given full access to this digital program and have been impressed with the passion and personal attention the owners and creators have been in developing it. I know it will be a terrific resource for many homeschooling families as well as others who are wanting to improve their skills in English grammar. It lays the foundations and build layer by layer, with mastery as the goal all along the way.
GrammarPlanet is a solid, thorough program for learning grammar and building those grammar skills. Recommended for ages 10 to 99+. Though a digital resource, it uses tried and true methods that work. If you think this might be the thing for your family, you can learn more from my fellow crew mates and see how they are using this in their homes. Just click on the image below!
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