Learning to teach better means rethinking some of the practices we’ve inherited – including grammar instruction. For many of us, grammar carries a reputation for red ink, rigid rules, and student shutdown. But what if grammar could actually strengthen voice and clarity instead of suppressing it?

In this conversation, I talk with Patty McGee about her book, Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful Grammar Instruction, and how teachers can reimagine grammar instruction as something empowering, practical, and connected to authentic writing. We explore how grammar fits into writing instruction, how feedback can build confidence rather than compliance, and what it looks like to treat grammar as a tool for meaning-making.

If you’re trying to balance rigor with encouragement—and want students to see grammar as something that serves their ideas—this conversation offers both clarity and concrete strategies. Plus, the Physical Media of the Episode, the book, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.

Enjoy!

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Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful and Engaging Grammar Instruction by Patty McGee and Tim Donohue (Use code: SAVE20 at checkout for 20% off and free shipping)