Introduction to English Grammar is a “light” course intended for use along with other resources. For example, for second grade Memoria Press recommends that it be used along with Prima Latina (beginning Latin), Composition & Sketchbook II, two copybooks, and English Grammar Practice. The subtitle on Introduction to English Grammar—A Supplement to Prima Latina, lets us know that it correlates very closely with that course. However, it can also be used alongside other resources or as a standalone item for grammar review.
Both Prima Latina and Introduction to English Grammar are recommended by the publisher for grades one through four, although I would recommend them for grades two through four to allow first graders more time to develop reading skills before getting into this much grammar.
Using both resources together provides mutual reinforcement. For example, in both courses, Lesson 6 teaches about nouns. Most lessons correlate directly like this between the two books, although there are a few exceptions. This approach helps students make connections between the grammar of both languages. Nevertheless, Introduction to English Grammar is not dependent on Prima Latina.
Introduction to English Grammar has a student workbook and a teacher key, both of which are 40 pages long. The teacher key is identical to the student workbook except it also has overprinted answers.
There are 25 lessons, with additional review lessons following every five regular lessons. Three bonus lessons at the end of the book address contractions, apostrophes, and homophones.
Every lesson in Introduction to English Grammar, including review lessons, has three elements. A concept box provides brief grammar instruction. Practice exercises help students apply what they have learned. And a fill-in-the-blanks review sentence revisits the main concept. One or more self-check boxes are included in most lessons to remind students to go back over their work before turning it in.
Introduction to English Grammar is simple to use and might be useful for either primary instruction in grammar or review.
