Parts of Speech

Parts of Speech (Track 7)

The message and method for instruction here is perfectly plain so my comments will be brief.

Students, especially younger ones, need explicit instruction on the following. Each verse of this song reminds you of the meaning of the given part of speech and then gives examples of these types of words. With regards to nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, the examples given are a handful out of thousands that exist in the English language. However, the pronoun examples include virtually every pronoun. In addition, the conjunctions listed are very complete, with and, or, and but as those used as conjunctions
most frequently. Also, students need to understand that many words can be more than one part of speech depending on the context in which it is used. I went to a play at the theater. Here play is a noun. I would rather play outside than watch tv. In this sentence play is a verb. Also, students should be made aware of the many -ly words which are not adverbs like lovely, friendly, homely, etc.

An excellent form of practice for students is Mad Libs. Many Mad Libs style games are available on line. Check out funbrain.com for one version.

Parts of speech can be very complicated. It is normally enough in elementary school to introduce this concept to the kids and stick with simpler examples.