I am an elementary school teacher. It pains me to read my students' work, and I find it very difficult to grade due to a plethora of spelling and grammatical errors. I understand that they are in elementary school now, but what about when they become adults? Today children are taught that content is more important, and that they shouldn't worry about grammar or spelling. Should we still have children practice grammar the way it was done in the past?
2006-06-19 16:25:59 · 6 answers · asked by Chuck 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
As a high school teacher, I beg you to please, please, teach the little darlings grammar and spelling. I have high school students in 12th grade who still can't write, or recognize, a complete sentence. Correcting and grading their work is a nightmare. Content is fine, but it is far easier to teach a young adult how to improve content than it is to un-teach poor grammar.
English grammar is difficult (even I make mistakes at times), but with constant repetition, children do learn. With regard to diagramming sentences, I can only say that as a child I hated it. I found the lines confusing rather than helpful. I now include a short grammar session in every class. My students expect it, and they have actually reminded me when I've forgotten to include it. Also, they say they wish they'd been taught grammar in elementary school.
2006-06-19 18:19:13 · answer #1 · answered by not the real me 4 · 21⤊ 2⤋
Yes we should. I know exactly what you mean having been an elementary school teacher myself, but having a degree in Journalism and having worked for a time there when grammar, spelling and content are all important. I couldn't help but grade the grammar and spelling as well as the content. Spelling especially since they could easily look it up. To me, it was laziness and a lack of importance toward their work. They didn't have it and their parents didn't instill it in them. I think it's a societal problem.
2006-06-19 23:55:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My goodness, spend a few hours (not even!!!!) on this site and read the questions and the answers of just about anything. After just ten minutes of doing so, I bet you will realize that grammar and spelling is far more important than content. Content is really important, but without grammar and spelling, how will anyone really comprehend the full meaning?
It is annoying and an insult to teachers and parents worldwide.
PS.. to SINDU (the illiterate before me). Until you realize that 'u' is actually a letter and NOT a word and you do not use a capital letter after a comma (Do you even know what a comma is?); just keep your opinions to yourself. (aka.. SHUT UP!)
2006-06-19 23:52:20 · answer #3 · answered by Sam_I_Am 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without the grammar, content doesn't get communicated. I was taught grammar in FIRST grade. Spelling every year. Diagramming all through school. Elementary school is no excuse. If they reach fifth grade without being able to write a cohesive, comprehendable paragraph, the teachers have failed in their task. If you care, as seems likely, be as strict as your school board will allow, and parents be damned if they don't help. Flunk athletes on general principle!
2006-06-19 23:33:55 · answer #4 · answered by Thorbjorn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that grammar is more important than content and that teachers need to place more emphasis on the subject.
2006-06-19 23:40:31 · answer #5 · answered by airrongee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think,in the initial stages u have to look through content first. Firstly let them learn to express their ideas on their own,Once they r confident of expression, u can be serious about grammar.
2006-06-19 23:48:55 · answer #6 · answered by Sindhu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋