The Shift in Education: Where Did Grammar Go?
Over the past two decades, education has undergone a major transformation. As classrooms have become more focused on thematic literature, critical thinking, and creative expression, one crucial piece has quietly slipped through the cracks: grammar.
In many English classrooms today, students read novels, write essays, and engage in meaningful discussions—but often without explicit instruction on the nuts and bolts of the English language. Sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, and parts of speech are mentioned but rarely mastered.
This shift isn’t entirely negative. Emphasizing comprehension and analysis helps students connect with texts in deep and personal ways. But there’s a tradeoff: when grammar isn’t taught directly and consistently, students fall behind in the foundational skills that support clear, confident writing.
At Thrive Tutoring, we see this gap every day.
The Grammar Gap: What We’re Not Teaching Anymore
Let’s be honest: grammar doesn’t always feel exciting. It’s not flashy or emotional like a dystopian novel or a slam poem. But it is essential.
When students don’t learn how to recognize fragments and run-ons, or when they struggle to understand word function and sentence flow, their writing suffers. So does their reading comprehension and ability to communicate effectively in the real world—on college applications, in job interviews, and in everyday life.
And yet, grammar instruction has been sidelined in many school districts. Some reasons why:
- Time constraints: Teachers are under immense pressure to prepare for state testing, cover required novels, and support a wide range of student needs.
- Curriculum shifts: Many ELA programs prioritize thematic learning and analysis over mechanics.
- Digital tools: With grammar-checking software readily available, it’s easy to rely on technology rather than learning the rules.
The result? Students are left with gaps—ones they often don’t even realize they have until their writing is marked up or misunderstood.
How Thrive Tutoring Helps Fill Those Gaps
At Thrive, we believe grammar isn’t just a set of rules—it’s a toolkit for expressing ideas with power and precision. Whether we’re working with a third grader just starting to write paragraphs or a tenth grader prepping for the ACT, we prioritize grammar instruction in a way that’s engaging, relevant, and effective.
To support teachers, tutors, and parents beyond the one-on-one setting, we’ve also developed easy-to-use, classroom-tested resources available on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Here are two of our favorite grammar tools:
???? Sentence Smarts Bundle: Mastering Fragments & Run-Ons with Fun Worksheets
Students often write fragments or run-ons without realizing why their sentences sound “off.” This resource makes fixing that problem feel doable—and even fun.
✅ Clear explanations
✅ Tons of practice with answer keys
✅ Creative, age-appropriate activities
✅ Perfect for 4th–8th grade writers
Whether you’re a teacher looking to supplement your curriculum or a tutor trying to break down sentence structure in a 1:1 session, this bundle builds foundational grammar skills in a way students can really grasp.
???? Mastering Mixed-Up Words: Build Grammar Confidence with Sentence Flow Practice
Word order matters. When students struggle with confusing sentence structure, their writing becomes muddled—and so does their thinking.
This resource helps students:
???? Understand how words function in sentences
???? Practice rearranging words for clarity and flow
✍️ Strengthen sentence construction across genres
This is especially helpful for students who are English Language Learners or those with language-based learning differences.
Why Grammar Still Matters (And Always Will)
In a world driven by communication, grammar isn’t optional—it’s empowering.
At Thrive, we know that strong grammar skills:
- Boost confidence in writing
- Improve clarity in speaking and thinking
- Support success in school and beyond
If your student is struggling to write clear sentences, or you’re a teacher feeling the pressure of a packed curriculum, we’re here to help.
Check out our TPT store for more engaging, effective grammar resources. Or reach out to us directly at thrivetutoring.org to learn more about our personalized tutoring services.
Let’s bring grammar back—smarter, simpler, and way more fun.
