Why I’m Crazy About Teaching Sentence Diagramming To Today’s Kids  

by The Scholar Group’s co-founder, Deborah Puette

Sentence diagramming — a skill many schools no longer teach — builds more than just a solid understanding of grammar, making students better writers and readers — it actually strengthens thought. 

I’m passionate about teaching this skill. Seeing the light bulb go on as my students gain mastery over words and how they work is such a thrill. The results are out-sized when compared to the effort: communication, both verbally and in writing, is elevated within a matter of months. It’s like watching their brains mature before my eyes.

Here are my top five reasons every child should learn to master sentence diagramming:

  1. It sharpens their thinking.
    This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of diagramming sentences — but in today’s world, it might just be the most important. With social media shaping so much of how kids take in information, the ability to think critically, analyze structure, and separate signal from noise is more crucial than ever. Diagramming is like a workout for the brain. It’s a tool that is analytical, visual, and puzzle-like — and it gets students thinking deeply about how ideas are built and communicated. That kind of structured thinking carries over into everything — from writing and reading to decision-making and problem-solving.

  2. It makes grammar make sense.
    Instead of just memorizing rules, students see how words function in a sentence. Diagramming shows how everything fits together — subjects, verbs, modifiers, clauses — all in one clear visual. It’s especially helpful for trickier grammar concepts that tend to trip students up.

  3. It boosts reading comprehension.
    When students learn to break down complicated sentences, long paragraphs don’t feel so overwhelming. They get better at spotting structure, following ideas, and catching the subtleties in tone and meaning — all of which makes them stronger readers.

  4. It improves writing — fast.
    Once students understand how sentences are built, they write more clearly and confidently. They start spotting their own grammar mistakes, choosing words more intentionally, and building stronger, cleaner sentences. The difference shows up in their essays pretty quickly.

  5. It works for visual and hands-on learners.
    For kids who don’t connect with traditional grammar lessons, diagramming can be a game-changer. It’s visual, it’s interactive, and it gives them a different way in — which makes the learning stick. 

I currently work with students grades four through twelve on this crucial skill. For more information about how studying this underused but invaluable tool can help the kids in your life or to schedule a free consultation, email me or shoot me a text at 213.309.1447.