Grammar, Reimagined: Fresh Teaching Strategies Every Tutor Needs

In this engaging episode, we welcome Patty McGee, a nationally recognized literacy consultant, educator, speaker, and author, to explore how grammar instruction can become a powerful and joyful tool for tutors and students alike. With decades of experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and literacy advocate, Patty has dedicated her career to helping educators create learning spaces where language truly comes alive.

Patty shares her personal grammar journey, reflecting on how her thinking about grammar has evolved over time and why traditional approaches often miss the mark. Drawing from her extensive work alongside educators across the country, she introduces a more meaningful, student-centred approach that positions grammar as a tool for communication, clarity, and confidence rather than a set of rigid rules.

The conversation centres on why Patty’s approach to grammar is such a valuable asset for tutors. She discusses how tutors can seamlessly integrate grammar instruction into authentic reading and writing experiences, support student agency, and make grammar instruction both practical and impactful. Patty also shares insights from her latest book, Not Your Granny’s Grammar, her third publication focused on delightful literacy practices.

What we covered:

✅ Patty’s background and her evolving journey with grammar instruction
✅ Why traditional grammar instruction often falls short and what works better
✅ How tutors can use grammar as a tool to strengthen student writing and confidence

Whether you are a tutor, literacy educator, or education leader looking to make grammar instruction more effective and engaging, this episode offers actionable insights from one of the leading voices in literacy today.

The link to Patty's sites can be found here:

Website

Instagram

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