4Real Forums: encouring better grammar and writing

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Topic: encouring better grammar and writing

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molly
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Joined: Jan 09 2009
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Posted: Sept 12 2009 at 9:30am \| IP Logged

What is your tried and true method of acheiving this goal?

Is LOTS of reading sufficient? What if you suspect an LD? Is grammar really needed? Seems like every year the rules change!

ekbell
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Joined: May 22 2009
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Posted: Sept 12 2009 at 12:21pm \| IP Logged

From personal experience and observation, these are my conclusions about the bones of writing, spelling and grammar.

Ample reading doesn't necessarily equate to spelling well. It does increase the likelihood of knowing that a word is misspelled (I could pick out every single misspelled word in a passage without actually knowing how to spell them correctly, I needed formal spelling instruction.) Some people can pick up spelling from reading, others need to learn spelling rules,practice, how to break down words, practice and more practice.

A ordinary child can generally pick up good grammar from ample reading but will find it difficult to discuss/explain/teach grammar without the proper vocabulary. They may also have difficulties with such things as proper comma use when writing involved sentences.

The main use for teaching formal grammar is gaining a vocabulary for discussing language (and hopefully gaining some idea of the proper use of the comma). This will be essential if the child decides to learn a foreign language later in life, as studies have shown that older learners of a foreign language normally can't 'just pick up' proper grammar without formal learning.

A child with a LD may or may not require more formal teaching of spelling and or grammar depending on the exact nature of the LD. My rule of thumb is that if the child is experiencing frustration with tasks suitable to their age then they need extra help/instruction of some kind. The exact nature of the extra help will vary from child to child and may require some trial and error.

When I had trouble spelling I was given extra phonic help which didn't help

,my spelling improved when I was given extra instruction on roots and how to break words down into morphemes. I am grateful to my mother for insisting that I needed to try a different program even if it was normally used for advanced spellers.

ekbell
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Joined: May 22 2009
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Posted: Sept 12 2009 at 12:58pm \| IP Logged

From personal experience and observation, these are my conclusions about using the bones of writing to actually build an story, letter or essay.

Reading a lot by itself does not appear to be a sufficient method of gaining the ability to write well. In general, the best way of learning to write well appears to be doing a lot of writing and receiving helpful feedback.

Helpful aids to writing;

Spending some time discussing how the stories and essays of others were put together. From something as simple as seeing the shape of a plot or essay to something as complicated as analyzing style or the requirements of genre. This is where reading comprehension meets writing instruction.

Formal styles of writing (this includes some types of letters and essays) merit formal instruction. It can be of great help to have a template when writing a letter (hardcopy or email) of complaint or one requesting aid.

Many people (such as I) find it easier to write when given something to write on and a template to write from. Too much freedom would lead to indecision and freezing up rather then freer writing. My best writing is when I'm writing in response to someone else.

Other people do better with fewer requirements and freeze when asked to write on a particular topic or in a particular manner. Their best writing is done spontanously.

The first type can benefit from formal writing programs.

The second type benefits most from lots of time to write (with one of my daughters, I simply require x minutes of writing a day) and feedback on chosen pieces of work (it seems to work best if she chooses what work to get feedback on and I choose how much).

One piece of advice that I think worthwhile is to concentrate on one and only one area when giving feedback. Don't point out spelling, grammar errors *and* give suggestions on better paragraph structure *and* the overall essay/story at the same time.

MaryM
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Joined: Feb 11 2005
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Posted: Sept 12 2009 at 4:54pm \| IP Logged

Very helpful responses, ekbell! Thanks for taking the time to share your perspective so well. I would agree.

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