Grappling with Grammar: A Grammar Gallimaufry

I really loved today's articles for discussions on engaging students in reading the classics with a focus on understanding the grammar. I now wonder if that is why I didn't like classic literature in high school, I didn't understand it. I have always loved reading - still do! But, my enjoyment of classics didn't come until college. Perhaps if a teacher had approached classics from a grammar standpoint, I would have been engaged in learning the classics we studied. As I work on ideas to engage my future students in the learning, I am excited to be able to connect grammar to what we are reading and how it affects the reader...which directly translates into writing - student writing. While these articles didn't mention having students write to practice any grammar they were discussing, it seems that this would be part of the logical process. Just like we have discussed in class: using good models before having the students eventually practice on their own. Thus, this way of teaching grammar as a part of reading seems to flow naturally into continuing the process into writing with the grammar just learned!

Harry Noden's chapter in Teaching Grammar in Context is the most engaging chapter of a textbook I have ever experienced! Harry (I like to use his Christian name as if we are colleagues and he has shared his greatest advice with me) uses the tools he teaches to paint for us a picture of a classroom full of engaged students, expressive students, even enthused students! If not a dream for all pre-service teachers, the motivation that propels me through the insane rigors of college is the dream of being able to inspire my future students to love language. And Harry's students seem to have grasped the significance. They attend to Harry's grammar lessons because they understand that their "workshop" on appositives will assist them in creating better and better pictures with words. This approach appears to be exciting and enjoyable for the teacher as well as for the students. And as my good friend recently shared with me, "I think you learn more if you are laughing, [having fun], at the same time." Harry has proven this right in his own students! Vive la langue!