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Article #83: Teaching Children Reverence for the English Language

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Webster's dictionary defines English as I ask my student the question: "What is
the application to apply the principles two times twelve?" Instead of just
of English pronunciation, spelling, etc. accepting the answer "24," require the
(Webster's 2004). student to say, "It is twenty-four."
The English language has clearly changed Also, expect them to add adverbs and
in pronunciation over the years. For adjectives as well--"It appears to
example, the sentence, "Mom, do you wish exactly be twenty-four." We must expect
me to unload the groceries?" is now said the best from our kids, or they will not
shorter like: "Ma, do ya want me to get put out their best efforts.
the bags?" In our fast past society, we We all use language differently in
sometimes forget to utilize proper different situations. We would not
English and indeed some of us have address our principal, if we are a
forgotten to use it at all. teacher, in the same manner that we would
What are the specific "rules" today when the teenager that lives next door and
teaching children the English Language? won't turn down his music.
Dean, a former third grade teacher says, Our voice inflection, tone, but most
"Students are just not reading-nor are importantly, our knowledge of proper
they writing enough in today's world.. English is essential to obtaining good
.furthermore, I can remember enjoying jobs, raises and bonuses, and just in
reading aloud, I even read a book in the communicating with others in general. If
top of my front yard overlooking the one can give a compliment to a co-worker
green grass and hillsides. Once I even in proper English, it may never be
read a book on a rubber raft in Lake forgotten.
Tahoe--an almost unforgettable In my lifetime I have watched the youth
experience." of this generation, especially their
Students are not used to reading in the language, degenerate. By that, I mean it
year 2004, and thus, they need to be has gone way downhill in terms of usage
reminded at times to stay on task, and we and lack of vocabulary.
must instruct them to that it's fine to The advent of Play Station III, less
let a book take their breath away! reading of books, and the informational
In my own personal life, years before any age, has left students unable to compete
understanding of reading, my mind was and cope. My own brother may not even
left to try and develop the mechanics of know to say: "Thank you sir or maam"
the English Language. Consequently, I can after a job interview. I'm half sure he
understand what it is like for a student does not.
trying to learn the language. Why is English Grammar teaching
Myself, and my fellow students had to important? Why is formal English usage
continually practice with speaking, important to daily life? The first thing
writing, and reading. Another comment my we need to teach our students is that
3rd grade teacher colleague made was: proper English will help you in your life
"Children today are not investing enough to be a better communicator, increase and
time to English, so like the old saying promote yourself in life, and that people
says-if you don't use it, you lose it." will give you more respect and
Going back to the example of verbiage I appreciation the minute you utilize it.
used earlier of: "Ma, do you want be to It is important that I, as a future
get the bags? (groceries) English grammar teacher, explain to them that proper
has been shortened in some instances and English is essential to the business,
one wonders how much English Grammar is educational, and religious world. In
being taught in the public school systems business, students need to be able to
today. One hopes that the proper grammar close deals, communicate profit margins,
usage is being taught to our students, so forecast future sales, and much more.
that they may begin or continue to see I will endeavor to explain to them that
the "value" of proper English. proper English will have to be utilized,
We live in such a hamburger fast food because as a business person they will be
society. We want it now. We want it fast. more than likely talking to colleagues
English cannot be learned properly in with masters and doctorate degrees, and
such a manner. We need to give examples they will not be permitted to say things
to students in proper English versus like: "Aint this a great pic, dudes?" In
quick slang, etc., and we should teach education, proper English will gamer the
them the many instances in which proper respect of their peers and their
English can be beneficial to them. professors. They will be looked up to as
Teaching English, I believe, should be a "smart" person, and not a "dumb" one.
taught like a foreign language. English I will also explain that it will help
is a language that needs to be learned, them be better writers on their papers,
not just memorized. It is the dominant and they may increase test
language of our country and non-mastery scores-especially on the S.A.T. in high
of it cannot be tolerated from our school! For religion, I may explain how
students. One of the best ways, I assert, the Apostle Paul was well versed in Greek
that a teacher can teach English Culture, and in fact, was a teacher. Even
mechanics, is to never allow a student to in the religious realm-one is more
answer a question in incomplete grammar. respected if they can speak fluently and
This must be especially reinforced to ESL reverently toalmighty God.
students as well. For example, let's say






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