For our first assignment we are supposed to explain "what grammar means to me." I didn't realize how much high school had changed until I read the first chapter of the textbook. Back in the day, ... (lets just say I have not attended a twenty year reunion, but it is fast approaching) at my high school we took a semester of literature and the second half of the year was spent on comp and grammar. It was a well balanced machine. Quite frankly, until I read this chapter, I just assumed I would teach my classes the same way. I was shocked to learn that some fellow classmates were not offered grammatical instruction after grade school.
I believe the more one reads the better their writing will become. However, I strongly feel there should be some grammatical instruction in our high schools. Let's face it, diagramming sentences is not my idea of a good time, but the knowledge of specific terms definitely helped me learn to construct better sentences.
Even though I was offered grammar in high school, I still struggle with little punctuation issues. Comma usage is the worst. A professor once told me it wouldn't completely sink in until I started grading papers everyday. It makes sense. Repetitive practice always makes perfect.
Overall, I feel grammar is necessary. It isn't enjoyable or exciting, but there is a need for it. To me, grammar is the basic structure of the paper. Without a strong foundation the construction will crumble.
I agree with your statement that grammar is the foundation. I think that grammar is what we need to know to really deconstruct the meaning of our sentences. I was thinking about my use of misplaced modifiers, and I think if I really knew what they are and how to avoid them, I would be a better writer. All because of a grammar concept.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to the need for repetitive practice, I put it this way: use it or lose it. It's true with a foreign language and it's true for grammar vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteGrading papers is one of the main reasons that I wanted to find another way to use my English degree than teaching. The extent of my grammar education consisted of my teachers marking on my paper when something was wrong with no explination as to why. Maybe we should bring back the half and half approach.
ReplyDeleteI really like your page layout and use of photos.
ReplyDeleteI also didn't read anything except your first blog on your previous preoccupation with someone else's blog.
Nothing against your writing. I'm just running out of time and have been at this all day.
I agree. It is a necessary evil.
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