ABSTRACT
This chapter is designed to give readers the information they’ll need to build the foundation for the inquiry-based grammar work described in this book. It begins by describing what establishing a foundation for this type of grammar instruction consists of, identifying important instructional objectives and corresponding practices associated with inquiry-based and asset-focused grammar work. Next, the chapter discusses why establishing this foundation—and the teaching and learning activities that are essential to building it—are important to students’ successful experiences with grammar inquiries. After that, it explores how instructional practices that build the foundation for inquiry-based grammar instruction look in action, providing examples from my work with seventh- and tenth-grade English classes. Following those classroom connections, the chapter shares key instructional suggestions to keep in mind when establishing the foundation for your own students to engage in inquiry-based grammar instruction. It closes with important takeaway points to consider and an infographic that displays that information.
