"Parts of Speech" by Green Baker of Freedman's School, circa 1865

Basic grammar is still taught in our schools (isn't it?) but tonight Mama-Kiszer e-mails wondering whether we oughtn't return to simpler times - and simple rhymes - that can help children remember things (like the following, on parts of speech). I daresay there's an adult or three that could use the help as well...

Three little words you often see
Are articles – "an," "a," and "the."

A noun is the name of anything,
A school or garden, hoop or swing.

Adjectives tell the kind of noun,
As great, small, pretty, white or brown.

Instead of nouns the pronouns stand –
Her hand, his face, your arm, my hand.

Verbs tell of something being done –
To read, count, laugh, sing, jump or run.

How things are done the adverbs tell,
As slowly, quickly, ill or well.

Conjunctions join the words together,
As men and women, wind or weather.

The prepositions stand before
A noun, as in or through the door.

The interjections show surprise,
As Oh! How pretty! Ah! How wise!

The whole are called the nine parts of speech
Which reading, writing, speaking teach.

Source: An American Antiquarian Society Online Exhibition