A review by lsmith725
Mechanically Inclined: Building Grammar, Usage, and Style Into Writer's Workshop by Jeff Anderson

funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

I didn't go into this knowing that this was basically a how-to guide for teaching grammar in writing workshop, but that worked out nicely; I'm trying to implement more workshop into my classroom this year.  I also didn't know it was for middle school, but that is what the author teachers.  I definitely think this approach could work for elementary and high school, too.  I have always tried to explain the theory's behind grammar rules, but never felt like the kids were that into it.  That is his approach, too, only he does it better.  The best thing about this book is that it includes full lesson plans, including reproducibles, and examples.  It's basically an entire grammar curriculum in one.  Anderson's approach is very realistic, and while I wouldn't use every single element of his method (I'd leave out some of his notebook sections), I'd use a lot of it.