This excellent reference thoroughly covers grammar and writing in detail, with a complete section on writing mechanics, usage, correct and clear writing, using references, and even public speaking. CCH’s top choice for a grammar reference--it can be referred to again and again in the grammar stage for questions of mechanics and spelling helps, and to clarify phrases and clauses instruction during syntax teaching in 5th and 6th grades, and it can also be used very effectively to teach a complete dialectic stage writing program. If you can find an out-of-print edition of Warriner’s English Grammar and Composition: the Complete Course (pre-1965), the practice sentences suffer less from political correctness.

Sentence writing in the first year of the dialectic:
Use these chapters (in this order) to teach writing correct sentences: chapters 10: Sentence Completeness; 24: Agreement; 25: Correct Use of Pronouns; 26: Correct Form & Use of Verbs; and 27: Correct Use of Modifiers. Use these chapters (in this order) to teach writing clear sentences: chapters 11: Coordination & Subordination; 12: Clear Reference; and 13: Placement of Modifiers. Use these chapters (in this order) to teach writing smooth sentences: chapters 14: Parallel Structure; 15: Unnecessary Shifts; 16: Sentence Conciseness; 17: Sentence Combining & Revising; and 18: Revision Exercises.

Paragraph writing in the second year of the dialectic:
Use Part One: Thinking and Writing to teach the writing process and prewriting, or gathering and organizing information. Then use chapters 1: Writing the First Draft, and 2: Writing Paragraphs to teach paragraph writing.

Paper writing in the third year of the dialectic:
Review the writing process and prewriting (gathering and organizing information.) Then use chapters 3 through 6 to teach writing the various kinds of essays. Use the material in Part Four: Resources, as needed, to teach using the library and other references, study skills, etc. as a child begins to learn to do research for paragraph topics.

Rhetoric Stage:
Warriner’s has a nice section on writing research papers, using research materials and the library, using reference materials, taking notes, citing sources, etc. Once a child learns how to write research papers, the best thing he can do is to practice writing them, again and again. Warriner’s role throughout the rest of the rhetoric stage then becomes as a handbook for reference.