Work the grammar standards for your district into your reading and writing lessons. By teaching grammar as a fundamental element of language arts, you help your students learn the concepts well enough to apply them instead of just being able to answer grammar questions on tests. For example, students are more likely to remember a discussion of word choices in a literary passage, especially if you have them substitute key words, than an exercise requiring them to list synonyms for a set of words. Both lessons require students to make a list to meet vocabulary curriculum standards, but the first applies the list to a practical situation and is, therefore, more likely to be enjoyed and retained by students.
The ability to analyze sentences is fundamental to adapting speech to different purposes, and to understanding different types of text. Strong grammar skills, especially in writing, often mark the difference between well-educated and less-educated individuals; these skills are essential for students wishing to attend college. Poor grammar can prevent an application from being considered, and if the student is accepted, the lack of skills can interfere with her academic success. Grammar skills also affect students hoping to enter the workforce directly, as many employers expect strong writing skills for reports, correspondence and website entries. The basic ability to analyze sentences is critical to proofreading and adapting texts to your needs. For example, if your boss asks you to rewrite something with "more energy" in it, you need to understand that this means you should change your sentence structure to an active voice and include verbs that are more actionable.
Formal English is the language used in literature and academia, and, to a lesser extent, in the workplace. Students need to understand formal English to succeed in college, as most texts are written formally and this is the language expected for most papers. Beyond college, formal English is often required by employers, at least some of the time, because it makes the speaker sound educated. Presentations, correspondence and grant applications all require formal English, for example. As a result, comprehensive language arts curricula must include a study of it to equip students with the skills needed to thrive.
Thorough understanding of grammatical principles means developing the ability to recognize and switch between formal English and more casual language as necessary. A job in marketing, for example, requires the use of high-energy, casual speech but the speaker must know enough grammar to sound hip without sounding uneducated, and to use regional phrases only to make a point. Successful grammar programs teach students how to recognize when to use regional or casual language, when to use more formal English and how to tell the difference.