Teaching Children Reverence for the English Language

Webster's dictionary defines English as the applicationThis must be especially reinforced to ESL students as
to apply the principles of English pronunciation, spelling,well. For example, let's say I ask my student the
etc. (Webster's 2004).question: "What is two times twelve?" Instead of just
The English language has clearly changed inaccepting the answer "24," require the student to say,
pronunciation over the years. For example, the"It is twenty-four." Also, expect them to add adverbs
sentence, "Mom, do you wish me to unload theand adjectives as well--"It appears to exactly be
groceries?" is now said shorter like: "Ma, do ya wanttwenty-four." We must expect the best from our kids,
me to get the bags?" In our fast past society, weor they will not put out their best efforts.
sometimes forget to utilize proper English and indeedWe all use language differently in different situations.
some of us have forgotten to use it at all.We would not address our principal, if we are a
What are the specific "rules" today when teachingteacher, in the same manner that we would the
children the English Language? Dean, a former thirdteenager that lives next door and won't turn down his
grade teacher says, "Students are just not reading-normusic.
are they writing enough in today's world.. .furthermore, IOur voice inflection, tone, but most importantly, our
can remember enjoying reading aloud, I even read aknowledge of proper English is essential to obtaining
book in the top of my front yard overlooking the greengood jobs, raises and bonuses, and just in
grass and hillsides. Once I even read a book on acommunicating with others in general. If one can give a
rubber raft in Lake Tahoe--an almost unforgettablecompliment to a co-worker in proper English, it may
experience."never be forgotten.
Students are not used to reading in the year 2004, andIn my lifetime I have watched the youth of this
thus, they need to be reminded at times to stay ongeneration, especially their language, degenerate. By
task, and we must instruct them to that it's fine to let athat, I mean it has gone way downhill in terms of usage
book take their breath away!and lack of vocabulary.
In my own personal life, years before anyThe advent of Play Station III, less reading of books,
understanding of reading, my mind was left to try andand the informational age, has left students unable to
develop the mechanics of the English Language.compete and cope. My own brother may not even
Consequently, I can understand what it is like for aknow to say: "Thank you sir or maam" after a job
student trying to learn the language.interview. I'm half sure he does not.
Myself, and my fellow students had to continuallyWhy is English Grammar teaching important? Why is
practice with speaking, writing, and reading. Anotherformal English usage important to daily life? The first
comment my 3rd grade teacher colleague made was:thing we need to teach our students is that proper
"Children today are not investing enough time toEnglish will help you in your life to be a better
English, so like the old saying says-if you don't use it,communicator, increase and promote yourself in life,
you lose it."and that people will give you more respect and
Going back to the example of verbiage I used earlierappreciation the minute you utilize it.
of: "Ma, do you want be to get the bags? (groceries)It is important that I, as a future teacher, explain to
English grammar has been shortened in somethem that proper English is essential to the business,
instances and one wonders how much Englisheducational, and religious world. In business, students
Grammar is being taught in the public school systemsneed to be able to close deals, communicate profit
today. One hopes that the proper grammar usage ismargins, forecast future sales, and much more.
being taught to our students, so that they may begin orI will endeavor to explain to them that proper English
continue to see the "value" of proper English.will have to be utilized, because as a business person
We live in such a hamburger fast food society. Wethey will be more than likely talking to colleagues with
want it now. We want it fast. English cannot bemasters and doctorate degrees, and they will not be
learned properly in such a manner. We need to givepermitted to say things like: "Aint this a great pic,
examples to students in proper English versus quickdudes?" In education, proper English will gamer the
slang, etc., and we should teach them the manyrespect of their peers and their professors. They will
instances in which proper English can be beneficial tobe looked up to as a "smart" person, and not a "dumb"
them.one.
Teaching English, I believe, should be taught like aI will also explain that it will help them be better writers
foreign language. English is a language that needs toon their papers, and they may increase test
be learned, not just memorized. It is the dominantscores-especially on the S.A.T. in high school! For
language of our country and non-mastery of it cannotreligion, I may explain how the Apostle Paul was well
be tolerated from our students. One of the best ways,versed in Greek Culture, and in fact, was a teacher.
I assert, that a teacher can teach English mechanics, isEven in the religious realm-one is more respected if
to never allow a student to answer a question inthey can speak fluently and reverently toalmighty God.
incomplete grammar.