The Big Bad Grammar Slammer

Name: The Big Bad Grammar Slammer
Brand: Learn for Your Life Publishing

by Learn for Your Life Publishing

ElaGrades 5–12

The Big Bad Grammar Slammer: Game-Based Grammar and Sentence Diagramming

The Big Bad Grammar Slammer is a traditional grammar curriculum that combines brief tutorials with a game-based approach to learning parts of speech, syntax, and sentence diagramming. The curriculum consists of 37 short lessons across six modules, with students playing a grammar game to reinforce concepts after completing each module.

Best for

Homeschool families and traditional educators seeking a systematic, game-based approach to grammar instruction for students in grades 5-12 who need focused work on sentence structure and diagramming

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 3 concerns · 2 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides direct instruction through brief tutorials followed by guided practice and games.

The review describes 'brief tutorials in English grammar' with structured lessons that 'should take only about ten minutes each' followed by specific assignments

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The game format provides ongoing retrieval practice and spaced review of previously learned grammar concepts.

The game 'gradually incorporates all the concepts that have been taught' and serves as 'a great tool for practice, review, and reinforcement that can be used for years'

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum is not knowledge-rich in the broader sense, as it focuses narrowly on grammar rules and sentence structure without building domain knowledge.

The review describes content limited to 'English grammar and sentence diagramming' and 'parts of speech and syntax' with no mention of content knowledge or cross-curricular connections

Vocabulary BuildingConcern

The curriculum does not appear to systematically build vocabulary beyond grammar terminology.

The review focuses exclusively on grammar concepts like 'parts of speech', 'syntax', and 'sentence diagramming' with no mention of vocabulary instruction

Writing InstructionConcern

Writing instruction is minimal and limited to sentence-level practice rather than structured composition instruction.

Assignments include 'writing and diagramming five sentences reflecting the pattern they have just learned' but no mention of paragraph or essay writing instruction

Text ComplexityNeutral

The curriculum addresses complex grammatical structures but does not engage with complex texts for reading comprehension.

Content includes 'very complex sentence structures, including work with verbals, verb tenses (up through future perfect progressive)' but no mention of reading complex texts

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides some guidance for parents and teachers but assumes they will learn alongside students.

The review notes that 'parents with weak grammar backgrounds might think this daunting at first, but as you work through lessons with your children, you will find yourself mastering the nuances of grammar yourself'

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

This curriculum does not include phonics instruction, as it is designed for upper elementary and secondary students who have already learned to decode.

The curriculum is 'recommended for grades 5 through 12' and 'assumes students have had some previous grammar instruction', indicating it is not for beginning readers

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsInsufficient Evidence

This curriculum does not focus on reading whole books or excerpts, as it is specifically designed for grammar instruction only.

The review indicates this is purely a grammar curriculum focusing on 'parts of speech and syntax' with no mention of reading materials beyond brief lessons

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com