Shurley English is a systematic, teacher-intensive grammar curriculum for grades K-8 that teaches parts of speech and sentence structure through memorized jingles and an interactive "Question and Answer Flow" method.
What is Shurley English?
Shurley English is a grammar and composition curriculum developed by educator Brenda Shurley in 1971 and first published in 1989. Created when Shurley found that her eighth-grade students couldn't retain or understand basic grammar concepts, the program uses rhythmic jingles and a systematic questioning method to make grammar rules memorable. The curriculum covers grades K-8 (Levels 1-6 for elementary, Levels 7-8 titled "English Made Easy") and focuses specifically on grammar and composition, not phonics, reading, spelling, or literature.
Key Takeaways
- Uses jingles and Question Answer Flow (Q&A Flow) for memorization and analysis
- Teacher-intensive with fully scripted lessons requiring minimal prep
- Covers grammar and composition only; requires separate programs for phonics, reading, spelling
- Homeschool kit approximately $85 per year
- Aligns well with classical education approaches
The Teaching Method
Shurley English uses a multi-sensory "see it, hear it, say it, do it" approach. Students first memorize rhythmic jingles that define parts of speech ("A noun names a person, place, or thing..."). Then they learn the Question and Answer Flow, a systematic series of questions to analyze every word in a sentence. Students ask "Who" or "what" to find the subject, "What is being said about the subject" to find the verb, and continue with questions to identify objects, adverbs, adjectives, and other elements. This oral classification pairs with sentence diagramming for visual reinforcement.
Five Core Sentence Patterns
Students master five foundational sentence patterns that cover all English sentence structures. Pattern 1 is Subject Noun + Verb (The dog barks). Pattern 2 adds a Direct Object (The dog chases the cat). Pattern 3 includes an Indirect Object (The girl gave her friend a gift). Pattern 4 uses a Linking Verb + Predicate Noun (The dog is a collie). Pattern 5 uses a Linking Verb + Predicate Adjective (The soup tastes delicious). Understanding these patterns gives students a framework for analyzing any sentence they encounter.
What's Included in the Homeschool Kit
What's Included in the Homeschool Kit
- Teacher's Manual
Fully scripted lessons; the heart of the program
- Student Workbook
Jingle Section, Reference Section, Practice Section, Test Section
- Instructional/Jingles CD
Audio for learning the jingles
Shurley vs. Other Grammar Curricula
Strengths and Limitations
Shurley English excels at building thorough grammar foundations through its systematic, multi-sensory approach. The jingles create remarkable long-term retention, and the scripted lessons make it accessible to parents who aren't grammar experts themselves. However, the writing instruction is relatively weak compared to dedicated composition programs, so many families supplement with additional writing curricula. The program requires significant parent involvement and isn't designed for independent study. It also doesn't include phonics, reading, spelling, or literature, so you'll need separate programs for a complete language arts curriculum.
The Bottom Line
Shurley English delivers what it promises: systematic grammar mastery through memorization and repetitive practice. The jingles and Q&A Flow methodology genuinely work for retention. If you're comfortable with teacher-intensive instruction and willing to pair it with separate programs for other language arts components, it provides an exceptionally thorough grammar foundation that many students carry into adulthood.
