This post goes out to ALL of my previous middle school students, who taught me that reviewing the parts of speech in middle school, is still 100% totally necessary.
I remember my first couple of years teaching, assuming that my students knew the parts of speech. Spoiler alert, they didn’t. I take that back, noun, that one comes across pretty solid. A noun is a person, place, or thing.
Other than that, my students were clueless. They didn’t know the basics parts of speech. Eventually, during maybe year three of teaching, I FINALLY realized that I needed to address this, probably toward the beginning of the year. So now, I review the parts of speech with my students during the first two weeks of school. Before we discuss any other grammar skills, it gives us a good starting point and foundation.
This post breaks down EXACTLY how I review the parts of speech in middle school. Want to skip all the mumbo jumbo and grab the lessons? Click here to access the free parts of speech lessons.
It All Starts with A Mini Lesson
I am a massive fan of using PowerPoint or Google Slides with my students when I introduce a new concept, parts of speech included. It is an excellent resource for me, and I’m really good at using it to guide my lessons, not just reading off the screen.
I use a mini lesson to introduce each different parts of speech to the students. I include the following topics: noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, verb, conjunctions, interjections, and prepositions. The mini lesson includes a definition and an example: nothing fancy and zero fluff. The fluff is just a distraction, and ain’t no body got time for that.
I keep the students engaged with my, not so SECRET weapon, Doodle Notes. Keep reading to learn all about the doodle notes.
Introduce Parts of Speech with Doodle Notes
The best way to review parts of speech (or anything for that matter) is Doodle Notes.
Doodle Notes are a unique visual note taking method with built-in features that increase focus and memory by taking advantage of a collection of brain research, including Dual Coding Theory.
I try to include them in just about anything that I am introducing to my middle schoolers. This is because 6th graders LOVE them, and it helps them retain the information they are learning.
In addition, Doodle Notes are one of the best grammar resources I use in my classroom. You can learn more about Doodle Notes and the brain benefits here.
The doodle notes align with the mini lesson and include three different versions, which allow for differentiation. You can grab the Doodle Notes and mini lesson for FREE here.
Review Parts of Speech With An Activity
Grammar activities are a great way to gain student buy-in. Students love playing games, and it shows them that grammar doesn’t suck. The traditional games like BINGO AND Jeopardy are fun, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
For example, you can easily cut a worksheet up, tape it under chairs, and send students on a search. Ask yourself how you can incorporate movement, sound, or competition to amp up student engagement.
In this free lesson, to review the parts of speech, the students create comic strips containing specific parts of speech. It’s a great activity that allows them to be creative while also practicing those skills.
Now you know precisely how I review the part of speech with my 6th graders in my classroom. You can grab the exact same lesson here!
Remember, I’m rooting for you friend!
-Alisha- Mrs. A. Riley
P.S. Want to know more about teaching grammar in middle school. Check out my ultimate guide here.
