Scope & Sequence

Nine grammar units focusing on African American Vernacular English (AAVE) patterns form the core of Linguistically Responsive Writing Instruction (LRWI). Each unit contains two to four lessons that lead students to explore grammar patterns in search of generalizations, comparisons, and contrasts. Following a scientific method of grammar inquiry, lessons move students from defining and classifying the grammar pattern to practicing and applying the pattern with their own writing.

Nine grammar units form the core of Linguistically Responsive Writing Instruction (LRWI). Each unit contains two to four lessons that lead students to explore grammar patterns in search of generalizations, comparisons, and contrasts. Following a scientific method of grammar inquiry, lessons move students from defining and classifying the grammar pattern to practicing and applying the pattern with their own writing.

Unit 1: Diversity in Life and Language

Noun Patterns

Unit 2: Plural (“I have two brother” vs. “I have two brothers”)

Unit 3: Possession (“I want to sing in the kid choir” vs. “I want to sing in the kid’s choir”)

Unit 4: Plural Possessive (“My two brothers’ dogs…”)

Verb Patterns

Unit 5: Past Time (“Yesterday I turn on the TV” vs. “Yesterday I turned on the TV”)

Unit 6: Subject–Verb Agreement (“She work hard” vs. “She works hard”)

Unit 7: Was/Were (“We was working” vs. “We were working”; “They was working” vs. “They were working”)

Unit 8: Is/Are (“We is working” vs. “We are working”; “They is working” vs. “They are working”)

Unit 9: Be Understood (“She my best friend” vs. “She’s my best friend”; “He playing basketball” vs. “He’s playing basketball”)

Multiple Patterns

Unit 10: Editing for Multiple Patterns in One Sentence

Unit 11: Character and Voice in Literature and Narrative Writing