Analytical Grammar

Name: Analytical Grammar
Brand: Demme Learninghttps://demmelearning.com/

by Demme Learninghttps://demmelearning.com/

ElaGrades 3–12

About This Curriculum

A sequential grammar curriculum that teaches English grammar conceptually rather than through memorization, using activities that lead students to develop genuine understanding of grammar mechanics, usage, and punctuation.

What makes it unique: Sequential, mastery-based approach that eliminates repetition - once concepts are mastered, students move forward rather than reviewing the same material yearly, with sentence diagramming integrated throughout for deeper understanding.

Analytical Grammar: Sequential Grammar-Focused Curriculum

Analytical Grammar is a systematic grammar curriculum for grades 3-12 that teaches English grammar conceptually through parsing and sentence diagramming. The program consists of five sequential levels that build grammar understanding without requiring annual reteaching of concepts.

Best for

Upper elementary through high school students who need systematic grammar instruction, particularly those who learn well through structured textbook approaches and can handle challenging analytical work

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 2 concerns · 3 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Text ComplexityStrength

The curriculum uses appropriately complex sentences and literary excerpts that challenge students with sophisticated grammar structures.

Reviews note the program is 'rigorous, challenging, and thorough' with 'more-complex sentences' in advanced levels and excerpts from classic literature

Teacher TrainingStrength

The curriculum provides comprehensive teacher support through detailed instructor handbooks and optional DVD instruction.

Reviews highlight 'thorough teacher's guide' so parents 'don't need to be grammar experts,' plus companion DVDs that are 'very helpful' for lesson introductions

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum employs clear direct instruction with structured lesson notes and step-by-step progression.

Reviews praise the 'easy-to-follow, step-by-step' approach with 'very clear' Unit Notes explanations and systematic daily lesson structure

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum focuses narrowly on grammar mechanics rather than building broad domain knowledge across subjects.

Reviews emphasize this is 'not a comprehensive language arts course' and should be used 'alongside other resources that cover reading, composition, spelling, and handwriting'

Writing InstructionConcern

The curriculum includes limited writing instruction, primarily focused on paraphrasing rather than comprehensive composition.

Reviews mention students 'learn to paraphrase material written by others' and occasional paragraph writing, but this is not comprehensive writing instruction

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes regular review through daily exercise patterns and reinforcement lessons but limited spaced review.

Reviews describe a five-day lesson cycle with daily review of previous exercises and reinforcement lessons, plus 'shoulder-to-shoulder grading' for review

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

Vocabulary building is not a primary focus, though some word work occurs through parsing and literary excerpts.

Reviews mention 'Playing with words' activities and work with literary excerpts but no systematic vocabulary instruction

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsNeutral

The curriculum uses excerpts from well-known literary works rather than whole books, particularly in reinforcement lessons.

Reviews mention 'brief excerpts from well-known literary works' used in reinforcement lessons for parsing and diagramming exercises

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum does not include phonics instruction as it focuses specifically on grammar for grades 3-12.

Reviews describe the program as concentrating on 'grammar and usage' with no mention of phonics or early reading instruction

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, everydayhomeschooler.com