Although textbooks and schemes can provide a structure for the tools for writing elements (spelling, punctuation and grammar) they tend not to provide adequate pedagogy and can lack a relevant context. Teaching in isolation is not as effective as constant reinforcement of skills and knowledge through engaging in high quality text. SAC DUG (Scottie the Attainment Canine: Delivering Understandable Grammar is the Grammar and KAL suite of learning created by the SAC Literacy team) provides structure and context by suggesting links to cross- curricular contexts as well as texts being explored.
A whole school approach to the teaching of punctuation and grammar should focus on creating a language rich environment where correct grammar is modelled by all staff and quality text is read and shared daily. Regular and explicit instruction about how sentences are formed should be provided. The teacher/practitioner models the correct terminology before expecting pupils to use the terms accurately. This can be done through whole class shared reading, group guided reading as well as explicit grammar/language lessons.
SAC DUG follows the Grammar and KAL Progressions on Glow for Stages 1-3 and Stages 4-7.
Building Vocabulary is a key element of the Stages 4/5 and Stages 6/7 ALP Spelling programme and part of this includes ensuring children have good morphological awareness.
