The Teacher's Grammar Book, Second Edition introduces the various grammars that inform writing instruction in our schools, and examines methods, strategies, and techniques that constitute best classroom practices for teaching grammar and writing. Designed for students who are preparing to become English or language arts teachers, as well as for credentialed teachers who want an easy-to-use guide to questions of methods, grammar, and teaching, this overview of basic English grammar includes the following major topics: a brief history of grammar, teaching grammar, grammar and writing, traditional grammar, transformational-generative grammar, cognitive grammar, dialects, black English, and Chicano English. New in the reorganized and fully updated Second Edition: *new chapter giving a brief history of grammar and grammar instruction; *new chapter on best practices--strategies and techniques that actually work; *expanded chapter on cognitive grammar--a topic not found in other texts of this nature; *expanded chapter on dialects; *summary and evaluation of the minimalist program (Noam Chomsky's most recent revision of transformational-generative grammar)--a topic unique among texts of this kind; and *reduced discussion of transformational grammar.

For students at all levels of proficiency, these activities attend to students' communicative needs; place grammatical structures in realistic contexts; incorporate humor or other highly motivating content; and promote choice, independence, creativity, realism, and peer feedback.

This book teaches the most common ESL grammar points in an accessible way through real ESL errors together with suggested teaching techniques. Relevant grammar terminology is explained. The four objectives of this book are to help teachers: (1) identify common ESL grammar points and understand the details associated with each one; (2) improve their ability to answer any grammar question on the spot (when on the "hot seat"); (3) anticipate common ESL errors by grammar point, by first language, and/or by proficiency level; and (4) develop more effective grammar/language learning lessons. These objectives are for all teachers, whether they are teaching grammar directly or indirectly in a variety of classes -- including a grammar class, a writing class, a speaking class, an ESP class, or a K-12 class.

Addressing general questions of grammar in ESL theory and classroom practice, this book offers ideas for the creative teaching of grammar. It also includes suggestions for teaching most of the beginning-level structures, which are listed separately in a grammar index.

The purpose of Grammar for Teachers is to encourage readers to develop a solid understanding of the use and function of grammatical structures in American English. It approaches grammar from a descriptive rather than a prescriptive approach; however, throughout the book differences between formal and informal language, and spoken and written English are discussed. The book avoids jargon or excessive use of technical terminology. It makes the study of grammar interesting and relevant by presenting grammar in context and by using authentic material from a wide variety of sources.