Responsive Grammar and Conventions Instruction; Assess and Design Developmentally Appropriate Instruction to Support Student Growth in Syntax, Conventions, and Editing

Dates: 11/14/2025, 12/12/2025, 1/16/2026 Grades: 3-5 Venue: Online via Zoom Time:  9:00am - 2:30pm ET (with a 45 minute break for lunch) Presenter(s): Nancy Brennan

Course Overview: 

This course provides guidelines for ways teachers can provide effective grammar and conventions instruction that responds to students' developmental writing needs. Participants will learn to assess students' current understanding of grammar and conventions, and design instruction that builds upon this foundation. Teachers will explore methods for teaching grammar and conventions within the context of authentic writing, using mentor texts and student writing samples to guide instruction.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

• Create developmentally appropriate lessons for syntax, conventions, and editing skills

• Implement strategies for embedding grammar instruction within writing instruction

• Design tools for monitoring student progress in grammar and conventions

• Develop approaches for making grammar instruction meaningful and engaging

• Apply methods for using mentor texts to support grammar instruction

Upon completion of the course participants will receive a certificate of participation; and NY State educators are eligible to receive CTLE credits. If your school or district is interested in arranging for a group of 15 or more to attend one course (or more) together please contact us at advancingliteracy@tc.columbia.edu. For a full listing of all Focused Topic Courses see our Professional Development Services Brochure.