Katrina Streza - Grammar Candy

Grammar Candy

by Katrina Streza

Text copyright 2011 Katrina Streza

Second digital edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission in writing from the publisher.

ISBN: 9781623953478

eISBN: 9781623953492

Published in the United States by Xist Publishing
www.XistPublishing.com

Contents

Chapter Seven: Adverbs

Chapter One: I Dont get it

S am was sad. Not the kind of sad where he wanted to cry. Not even the kind of sad where he wanted to be all alone in his room. Sam was just sad as he walked past the park where his best friend Danny was playing soccer.

Hey, Sam! Whats wrong? You look upset, Danny called out as he jogged over to Sam.

I just dont get it and my mom said it was too hard for her, too! Sam didnt look sad anymore. He looked mad. His eyebrows twisted into a knot and his fists clenched into little balls. I hate grammar! I just hate it!

Danny took a step back. Wow, Sam. Ive never heard you say you hate anything or anyone before. Our grammar homework must be really tough. I am planning on starting it after I get done with soccer practice. Danny scratched his chin. What would you say if I asked you to work on it with me? I bet with two of us working on it that we will understand it twice as fast!

Sam smiled, I say thats a great idea! Ill just sit over here and watch you play!

Danny raced back to be with the rest of his team, happy to see that Sam didnt look sad anymore. Sam walked over to Dannys big sister, Ella, and sat down on the grass next to her.

Ella put her book down and stared at Sam, Are you okay, Sam?

Yes, but Im just having a tough time with our grammar homework. Its tricky and my mom said she couldnt remember how to do it, Sam sighed, looking down at his shoes.

Well, maybe I can help you. I think grammar is pretty fun.

What? Sam exclaimed. Grammar cant be fun. Its nothing but labeling words and diagramming sentences. Its confusing! Who cares about adjectives and adverbs, nouns and pronouns and, worst of all, verbs?

Sams face was turning red. His voice was getting louder and louder. He glared at Ella and folded his arms in front of his chest.

Oh, Sam, Ella said softly. Im so sorry that grammar has been getting you down. I think if we start with the worst, we might be able to turn it into the best.

Chapter Two: Verbs

i dont know, Ella. I dont think anything can make me like grammar, Sam said, twisting his mouth to one side.

If you can look out at the soccer game and name ten action verbs, I will take you to Mr. Candors Candy Shop and buy you a special treat with my babysitting money.

Wow, Ella, thats very kind. I guess Id be willing to try. Whats an action verb again?

Its something you doan action or movement, Ella said, smiling.

Well, I see kids running, Sam said.

She nodded, Thats one.

And Danny is kicking.

Thats two.

Michael is scratching his head. Anna is catching the ball. Coach is writing. Maria is jogging and Eddie is jumping.

Youre up to seven now, Ella said.

UmI guess Sarah is dribbling the ball, Sam looked at Ella. Can action verbs be that specific?

Of course they can! We dont just talkwe shout and whisper, we argue and babble and chatter and describe!

Sam looked puzzled and then said, Well, it looks like Coach is blowing his whistle.

Thats nine! If you can think of one more before Danny gets back over here, Ill take you both for a treat.

Sam looked at all of the kids as they moved over to their bags, took off their shin guards and drank water. He watched them talk to their parents and give each other high-fives. He noticed that each soccer player was moving in a different way and he thought of many action verbs to tell Ella.

Well, Sam, Dannys almost here. Can you think of one? Ella asked.

I can think of a whole bunch of action verbs. Im just trying to think of a really good one, Sam answered. He watched as Danny walked toward them, carrying his soccer bag. He thought and thought and then said, Ive got it! This is the one action verb everyone on this field was doing the whole time we were talking!

Whats that, Sam?

Everyone is breathing!

Sam and Ella were both giggling when Danny arrived.

Whats so funny? Danny asked

Grammar! Sam yelled.

Yes! Sam knows his action verbs so well that Im taking both of you to Mr. Candors Candy Shop for a treat!

Chapter Three: Adjectives

T he bell on the door jingled as Ella, Danny, and Sam walked into Mr. Candors Candy Shop.

Now boys, what do you see? asked Ella.

Candy! Lots and lots of candy! Danny exclaimed.

Oh good! It seems that your eyes are working today, Ella said, making a silly face. Now, Im happy to spend my babysitting money to buy you boys a treat, but you cant just point at the one you want. Youll have to use adjectives to describe to me what you want.

What do you mean? asked Sam Do you want us to tell you the size?

Well, size can help you describe what you want. What else helps you describe? Ella asked.

Color! said Danny.

Shape! said Sam.

Flavor! said Danny.

Very good, boys! Ella said. Do you think you can tell me exactly what you want using just those describing words?

Sure, Danny said. I want a big, red, round, and sour candy.

All right. Then Danny, Im guessing you want this sour gumball.

Danny shook his head. Ella, you know I dont like gumballs!

Well, thats not what you just told me! This gumball is big, red, round, and is sour! It has all of the describing words or adjectives you just told me, Ella said.

Sam tapped his chin. He twisted his eyebrows. He stared at the candy on the wall and stared at the candy on the shelf in front of him.

Ella, I think I can use enough adjectives to tell you what I want, Sam said grinning.

Give it a try. But remember, you can only use your words to tell me, Ella said.

I want a small, hard candy, Sam said.

Sam! That describes half of the candies in this store! Danny almost shouted even though they were inside.

Im not done, Sam said. It is yellow and rough.

Well, jelly beans are smooth, so I know it is not a banana-flavored jelly bean, Ella said. Can you tell me if it tastes sweet or sour?

It is sweet and sour, Sam said.

I think I know what it is, Danny said. Is it a Lemon Drop?

Yes! said Sam. Yes, it is a Lemon Drop! I used six adjectives and you guessed it!

Wonderful, said Ella, Danny, do you think you can add some more adjectives to help me know which big, red, sour candy youd like?