Ask an upper elementary student what a noun or verb is, and you’ll probably get the right answer. Ask them what an adverb or conjunction are, and the outcome will probably be different. Taking some time to refresh students on these terms (especially at the start of the school year) is important. Doing so with a Grammar Boot Camp classroom transformation will help them master the terms enjoyably and memorably.
This type of classroom transformation is a favorite amongst teachers. You need just a few materials and a little sergeant attitude. š
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Grammar Boot Camp Material Ideas
Some suggested materials are:
- a camouflage cap
- a green, black, or camouflage shirt
- a whistle
- green, brown, or camouflage tablecloth
- grammar resource
Setting Up Your Boot Camp Transformation
- You’ll want to set up a sign at the door and/or on the projection board welcoming students to today’s boot camp. You can also post up a pennant banner in the room.
- Set up tablecloths, squad numbers, and work packets for students on the tables.
- You can always bring in additional resources such as water bottles, pencils, and dog tags for students.
- Set up the lesson on the board.
- Have completion certificates available for students.
Executing the Boot Camp
- Welcome recruits into the classroom.
- Assign them to different squads.
- Provide them with the rules and expectations.
- Have each squad choose a squad leader. This is the only person of the group that should address you, the sergeant, directly to provide answers.
- Have students complete different tasks that cover common nouns, proper nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, and prepositions. (Time the tasks to make sure everyone is working efficiently.)
- After each task, have the squad leader check the answers with you while the other members stand straight up with their arms next to them or behind them.
- Once you have reviewed their work and leaders are back with their squad, have them perform a drill. Ex. 5 jumping jacks, 5 sets of toe touches, etc.
- At the end of the activity, present each “recruit” with their certificate of completion. As you present it to them, you may address them as “Private (last name).”
Don’t be afraid to play the part. Ask students to address you as “Sergeant (last name).” If a squad seems unfocused, delete 10-15 seconds from their time and assign them 5 jumping jacks. This is a silly way of showing them to stay on track, and you seem like the stern sergeant.
This Grammar Boot Camp classroom transformation can be done all in one day or broken up into two or three days. Either way, it will definitely be a memorable experience that will help students recall those necessary grammar terms.
