Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

At this stage, students still haven't learned all the intricacies of the English language yet, and this Common Core Standard is here to help them become Masters of English. (Unfortunately, becoming this type of Master of English won't help students automatically graduate college.)

According to the standard, here are some concepts to prod students on:

1. The difference between a sentence, a phrase, and a clause. (No, not Santa Claus, a normal clause.)
2. The different types of sentences and why sometimes it makes sense to shove a whole bunch of commas into a one.
3. When a modifier isn't followed by the right noun. For example, students should never write sentences like this: "Long and tedious, the seventh grader hated his essay." Because it's such an important skill to have, the Common Core even wants students to pay attention to this concept into eighth grade and beyond.

As long as you keep on prodding, students will be well on their way to becoming Masters of English. Or cows. If you’re prodding them too much, they just might become cows.

P.S. If your students need to brush up on their spelling and grammar, send 'em over to our Grammar Learning Guides so they can hone their skills before conquering the Common Core.

Standard Components

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.1.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.1.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.1.C