The Shurley English method is a comprehensive approach consisting of several components. Jingles constitute the biggest element of the method, but sentence building and paragraph construction are also emphasized. Furthermore, the method uses a flow of questions and answers where either the instructor leads and the child follows, or the child leads and the instructor follows. The oral questions and answers determine the role each word plays in the sentence being analyzed. Other components include the writing process and essay composition, as well as activities to be practiced around the home.
According to the Shurley website, the effectiveness of the Question and Answer Flow module is based on the following three theoretical foundations: Each part of question-and-answer effectiveness is analyzed within the context of the whole sentence; parts of speech are not studied in isolated units. Once a concept is introduced, it is not left behind; as each concept is learned, it is repeatedly applied in daily exercises throughout the year. The approach uses the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles; when your child can see, hear and say his answers, retention increases dramatically.
The primary element of the Shurley method is the use of jingles. The child begins to learn definitions as parts of the jingle, and uses that foundation to develop an understanding of the parts of speech. The rhythmic definitions are chanted or sung, which helps the child to remember them through association and repetition. The Shurley website has a few examples of sentence jingles and verb jingles, but more can be obtained when the Shurley materials are purchased.
The Shurley website presents the following sentence jingle, which is meant to be repeated numerous times with the child to help her learn about subjects, verbs and other parts of a complete sentence:
A sentence, sentence, sentence
Is complete, complete, complete
When five simple rules
It meets, meets, meets.
It has a subject, subject, subject
And a verb, verb, verb.
It makes sense, sense, sense
With every word, word, word.
Add a capital letter, letter
And an end mark, mark.
Now, we're finished, and aren't we smart!
Now, our sentence has all its parts!
REMEMBER
Subject, Verb, Complete sense,
Capital letter and an end mark, too.
That's what a sentence is all about!
The Shurley website presents the following verb-jingle example. It is meant to be repeated rhythmically, or with song, and is designed to help children understand the function of a verb.
A verb shows action,
There's no doubt!
It tells what the subject does,
Like sing and shout.
Action verbs are fun to do.
Now, it's time to name a few.
So clap your hands and join our rhyme
GO
Say those verbs in record time!
Wiggle, jiggle, turn around,
Raise your arms and stomp the ground.
Shake your finger and wink your eye
GO
Wave those action verbs good-bye.
While the Shurley English method is highly regarded, it should not be used as the sole source of language-arts instruction. Instead, it should complement other methodologies, including traditional school instruction, phonics, whole-word approaches and sight-word practice sessions. Together, these methodologies can work to provide a well-rounded English language curriculum either in the classroom or at home.