Grammar

I believe that I was taught grammar like most of you; the breaking down of sentences, ditto sheets, workbooks, etc. Basically repetition was used to enforce the rules of the language. Of course these often were not fun, if ever, and I'm sure I was goofing off most of the time the teacher was covering the material. The discussion of effective and meaningful teaching methods towards grammar seems very interesting to me because, quite simply, I don't think I've ever experienced it. During my observational period last Spring, I experienced a lot of kids in the class loved to write, but were afraid to in the academic setting. It seems much of these activities and the way they come across to the students do not promote writing to the individual.

Even when reading through 'image grammar,' it's hard to picture these ideas and concepts as being effective within a classroom. The techniques seem to produce and understanding, and therefore, develop a practice within a student. While reading through chapter 1 I was specifically taken back to the memories of a writing workshop about detailing experience and the use of images. It's good to see enjoyable writing placed into the practice of a classroom; instead of filling in blanks in a workbook, you're developing your own writing.

I am excited to see the activities that go along with these lessons. I think a lot of children enjoy writing, it just seems like too much of a chore within schooling. Expressing oneself on paper is even more exciting if one knows how to do it properly, as well as personally; it becomes a reflection of crafted self.