Blog #2 What It Means to Teach Grammar

Christensen and Grammar Alive challenge my opinion on how to teach grammar to students because it is more than just “teaching” grammar. It involves teaching about the different cultures and the different forms of grammar in English that are neither right nor wrong. Christensen explains how teachers pointing out every usage error that the students make only make people conform to those teachers editing styles and later harshly correcting their own students in the same way. Christensen makes a point to say that although we should correct student’s mistakes when using grammar, there should still be a time where making mistakes and experimenting with the different forms of grammar is perfectly fine. When experimenting with this, it would be a good time to teach the varieties of grammar usage amongst the English language specified in Grammar Alive!

            Before teaching students about the varieties of grammar within the English Language, it is crucial to understand as a teacher that students have a tendency to make assumptions about what is correct or incorrect in regards to anything in life. As stated in Grammar Alive, it is essential to show and explain to students that no one uses proper edited Standard English when communicating with family in a silly way or texting friends. Situation makes a huge difference in regards to grammar. Students need to understand the circumstances at which grammar is being used—instead of immediately judging people [use of the dash to emphasize an important point]. Grammar Alive states it is important for teachers who are grading grammar, to think about the language and the context in which the grammar is used; before they begin to mark the student’s work incorrect [two closely connected sentences joined by a semi colon]. This is a way in which people tend to judge one another based upon the language used.

Grammar Alive challenges me as a future teacher to steer away from viewing grammar as correct or incorrect and working on seeing the differences in which grammar can be used appropriately based upon the current situation. A way to go about teaching grammar to students is to state we are practicing grammar—it does not have to be correct immediately [use of the dash to emphasize an important point]. Once students understand that when they are experimenting with grammar they are neither right nor wrong, they will feel more comfortable making mistakes. This will then lead to students learning from those mistakes and gaining knowledge on all varieties of grammar. Not just typical “Standard” English. Christensen and Grammar Alive work cohesively to provide insight for me as a future teacher on how to challenge myself as a teacher by approaching grammar in a friendly way that people can relate to and not are fearful of.

I decided that I wanted to experiment with using both the dash and the semi colon because I wanted to go outside of my comfort zone and try them out. I am a safe writer and decided I wanted to make mistakes to get better at using grammar instead of not gaining insight on how to use grammar appropriately by not making any mistakes. I used the dash because I felt as if it was important to provide emphasis on the act of judging people by their grammar. As well as emphasizing that when teaching grammar, students do not need to be a pro at grammar usage right away. I was more apprehensive when using the semi colon, because I felt as if I put it in the correct place but I am still unsure. Although, if it were incorrect I would rather know it is so that way I can learn from my mistake and gain insight on how to use a semi colon properly for future references. Overall, I wanted to use both the dash and semi colon because they were the two patterns that fit the best in my writing style for this blog.

Self Assessment

Throughout this semester I want to work on my confidence as a writer within the grammar department. I consistently feel unsure of my writing and myself when I try to do something different with my sentence structure. Instinctively, I do not want to be wrong or get marked down on my writing because of an error I made. So I change my sentence to a plain, safe sentence (For example, in my first few sentences I am very cautious of my punctuation, only using commas thus far. Which is a typical case of me playing it safe). Also, I have issues with trying new concepts in my writing because I am a simple person and a simple writer. I like to stick with what works. The classic, if it isn’t broken; why fix it? (The irony in my prior sentence, trying something new but expressing my feelings on not liking to change what is currently working) I love to write, and I love the passion and voice writers put into their work. I want my voice to stand out more in my writing and I feel it is possible if I gain confidence and security within my use of grammar throughout this course.

In order to gain confidence with my use of grammar in my writing, I want to know the rules of using a semi colon. I think semi colons are fun, interesting and have the capability to provide depth to writing. In my opinion (which may be right or wrong), semi colons usually mark a point in peoples writing where they are leading up to expressing a key, dramatic point. With my experience reading novels, my favorite parts of the book is when the writer has a fast pace and intense scene going and then all of a sudden the writer slows down the writing and with doing so it provides drama to the scene. Semi colons contribute to writing by giving a deeper explanation of the point in which the writer wants to get across to its audience. This all goes back to me wanting to express my voice in my writing more by providing intensity through grammar. I want to experiment with using a semi colon this semester because it will contribute great depth to my writing style.

Also, I want to work on my creativity within my writing, as well as with my grammar. I love to use unique words in my writing. I hate using the same sentence over, and over, and over again ( hence my prior sentence). My word choice is typically pretty good; it is just my writing that needs more complexity, especially within my sentence structuring. Often times I find myself with a great point I want to make to my audience and I result in creating an average sentence with average sentence structuring. Gaining knowledge on how to write with complexity and unique sentence structuring will help me get my point across to the reader in a more creative and strong way. Instead of me continuously writing boring sentences. Being familiar with proper grammar, which is fun, intriguing and exciting, will be an extremely beneficial tool and challenge to accomplish in regards to my future as a writer and a future teacher.