Help please, looking for english (gram/punct/spell) handbook

[Amber in AUS]

I am looking for a handbook that explains all the rules of the english language, grammar, punctuation, spelling etc. My schooling was sadly lacking in this area!

I want a handbook written for me so that i can read it and have a better understanding of our language. Also, so that i have a base of knowledge to work from to teach dc's.

I want to use a CM approach to our LA so don't really want to turn to workbooks for grammar, spelling etc. I need to have a solid base myself so that i am able to teach dc or at least look up the answer to their question :001_smile:

Hopefully someone has a good recommendation for me.

Thanks

[daisychics]

I am looking for a handbook that explains all the rules of the english language, grammar, punctuation, spelling etc. My schooling was sadly lacking in this area!

I want a handbook written for me so that i can read it and have a better understanding of our language. Also, so that i have a base of knowledge to work from to teach dc's.

We have The Bedford Handbook (6th edition) by Diana Hacker. http://www.amazon.com/Bedford-Handbook-Sixth-Diana-Hacker/dp/0312256329


hth

[Blessedfamily]

I heard the ABC's and all their tricks is a good book on the rules of spelling.

http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/ABC%92s+and+All+Their+Tricks/008752/1227616802-1348143

[one l michele]

This is my favorite: http://www.grammarbook.com
This is available free online, but I prefer to have a hard copy.

[Laura Corin]

I am looking for a handbook that explains all the rules of the english language, grammar, punctuation, spelling etc. My schooling was sadly lacking in this area!


There are significant punctuation and spelling differences between US and Australian English. FWIW I like English Grammar for Dummies (UK Edition) (http://www.amazon.co.uk/English-Grammar-Dummies-Lesley-Ward/dp/0470057521). It doesn't cover spelling, but my edition has punctuation.

Laura

[Beth in Central TX]

I don't think these have much help with spelling, but for grammar, punctuation, and writing, I would highly recommend Rod & Staff English Handbook and Descriptive English Grammar by House & Harman.

HTH!

[Amber in AUS]

Thanks for all your suggestions! I just did a google search and there is a Grammar for Dummies AUS edition so i might look at that. I must say i have never really noticed a significant difference in punctuation between AUS, UK and US but then i don't really know what i am looking for. I do notice the different spellings tho.

ABCs and all their tricks sounds good too.

I will check out all the other recommendations too. Thanks so much!

[Testimony]

I was thinking along the same lines as Laura in China when I read your post. Then I realized that you said that you wanted the CM approach to language arts.

The CM approach would be to take a sentence from the books your children are reading and have them copy it correctly. Erase it immediately if words are spelled wrong and have the children write the correct spelling. The idea is the child is seeing the word in its correct form and learning how to spell by seeing it over and over. You would do this for a week or more with your children.

In copying, they are learning proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. The difficulty with this method is it is a longer way of learning spelling, but it does stay with the child longer.

Blessings in your homeschooling journey!

Sincerely,
Karen
www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony

[Laura Corin]

Thanks for all your suggestions! I just did a google search and there is a Grammar for Dummies AUS edition so i might look at that. I must say i have never really noticed a significant difference in punctuation between AUS, UK and US but then i don't really know what i am looking for.

Best wishes

Laura

[Amber in AUS]

Thanks!

Testimony, i do get the CM approach and how it works i just want the rules and what not so that i know what to look for in a good sentence, to make sure it is gramatically correct etc. I don't plan to teach from this book just learn from it myself ;)

[mumtoo3]

we have abc and all their tricks, which was recommended by another homeschool family and it is great, and can answer all the childrens questions about why the english language is how it is

hth

[Mamagistra]

...Descriptive English Grammar by House & Harman.

Yes! My absolute favorite. (Beth, you sure get me hooked on a lot of books! :D)