Grammar: In Oral and Written Settings

Mrs. Pizzuti gave me this gift for Christmas, and is it ever accurate!  Well, except for the silent part.  As part of the curriculum (and being the responsible adult in the room) I regularly correct the students' oral and written grammar.  Not only do the students get evaluated on their oral communication, but people can tell a lot about anyone based on their ability to communicate effectively with the English language.  I hope to assist them in becoming effective communicators.

In the fall, many students did not know what slang was, or that they use slang often.  That form of communication is fine in the playground with friends, but in the classroom, proper grammar and word choice is expected.   When students do not speak correctly, it translates directly into their writing.  I hope I can count on each family's assistance in rectifying this problem. 

Here are some common errors that we are working to eliminate:
1. Overuse of the word like is cause for concern.  When used correctly, like is used in comparisons or to express someone's enjoyment with something. (You run like the wind.  or  I really like pizza.)  In recent times the word like has become a time filler and makes its way into sentences too often - sometimes every other word. (I like went to the store like to buy some like shoes.......)
2.  The expression freaked out is problematic.  This is slang also, and can mean a variety of things.  Please use specific terms to fit each different situation rather than one phrase to mean many things.  Oh, and by the way, the word sucks falls into the same category, and is not acceptable in our classroom.
3.  The phrase have your back is best used in informal settings also.  As mentioned above, it is wise to be specific about what you mean in different situations.
4.  The term snooty came up recently during a discussion about character traits.  This is another slang term that can be replaced with arrogant or haughty, for example.

FEEL FREE TO CORRECT YOUR CHILD 

WHEN YOU CATCH THEM 

MAKING THESE OR OTHER ERRORS!

If these issues are not brought to their attention, they will not realize that they are making these errors, and will not know to correct them.

Other issues that we continue to work on are the students` ability to express themselves accurately in oral and written communication as well as paying attention to correct word order.  Examine this headline that I found in the Windsor Star on Saturday December 27, 2014.  

Say what you mean and mean what you say!  There is a direct correlation between the amount of reading someone does and the quality of their speaking and writing.  There is also a strong connection between the way people talk and how they write!  Let`s work together to produce literate children!