All this week, I had the privilege to sit under the
instruction of a terrific teacher who has inspired me to do something I never
wanted to do: Teach grammar.
Yes, that’s right.
She inspired me with her enthusiasm, intelligence, and love
of teaching. Now I cannot wait to get into my classroom and teach my students
how to be better writers and communicators. Yes, I know grammar can be tedious,
but once you see how important it is in writing, you will love learning more
about it!
What’s the big deal about teaching writing and communicating
anyway?
Well, try reading an essay written with “texting”
language. Or try not to overreact when
your student calls you “dude” during an oral presentation. Or try not to scream
with frustration after counting all the “uhs” and “ums” in that same oral
presentation.
And don’t get me started on email communications!
To Write=To
Communicate
Yes, our students are in great need of instruction in
effective communication. And that’s why I am grateful that our teacher this
week showed us the importance of teaching this topic.
But the main thing she did was educate me about the
importance of grammar in writing. She
taught me the trivium:
- · Grammar
- · Logic
- · Rhetoric
And how all three go together when teaching reading and
writing. This idea, from the classical liberal arts curriculum, aligns nicely
with my personal philosophy of teaching.
- · Grammar- how to use words properly.
- · Logic- thought/critical thinking
- · Rhetoric- speaking and writing effectively and with reason in order to persuade.
As a teacher, I long to inspire my students to think for
themselves about a variety of topics using reason. And then take those thoughts
and put them down on paper in an organize manner using the tools (grammar) I
have given them. Finally, I long to see them defend those thoughts judiciously,
with factual support.
How hard can that be?
As much of a challenge as it is, it is also that rewarding!
I find it sad that so many schools do not teach logic and
rhetoric along with grammar. We, as a society, are losing out because of this.
By teaching students how to use words properly, we are
helping them succeed. By teaching students how to think for themselves, we are
helping them succeed. By teaching students to speak and write using factual
evidence to support what they are saying…we are definitely helping them succeed in life.
Now that I have sat in a classroom where my teacher inspired
me, I can be the teacher inspiring my students to want to write properly, think
reasonably, and argue judiciously.
All this will help make better and more productive citizens.
Citizens who can communicate effectively in a variety of mediums. Citizens who
can contribute to society. Citizens who can THINK and want to LEARN.
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