Does grammar really matter?  In short – yes yes yes! In order to write accurately, fluently and appropriately, it is necessary to have a certain understanding of how language is constructed. Precise and accurate grammar ensures that what your son writes is correctly comprehended and is enjoyable to read.

Here are some reasons to cheer wildly for grammar:

 

It avoids confusion

If the reader has to re-read a sentence several times because they are confused, it diminishes their reading experience. They may even give up reading and not continue to read any further.

A few rules are a good thing

Being bombarded with Latin rules are not going to entice any boy to English. However, they need to know how to name the ‘nuts and bolts’ of language ie the parts of speech (nouns, verbs, prepositions etc)

Make it fun and engaging!

Completing continuous worksheets of circling verbs, underlining prepositions and labelling nouns is often what occurs in classrooms.  This is not necessarily a teacher’s fault – good grammar resources are hard to find!  Instead, grammatical learning activities should be linked to real life.  Can they find examples of grammar in junk mail, a song’s lyrics, a conversation?  It is amazing the variety of authentic examples that students find and the connections they make between grammar and their daily lives.  Of course we may be biased, but we think that Literacy for Boys is an excellent resource. 

Explicit teaching of grammar is important

“If English is worth speaking or writing, then it is worth writing or speaking well.” (Simon Heffner, Strictly English, Random House, 2010)

Grammatical correctness is like a personal outfit.  Before our boys are evaluated on the content of their writing, they will be judged on their use of grammar.  For this reason, grammar is important to learn.

Universities and employers complain about the younger generation’s terrible grammar and punctuation.

My point is not about forcing our boys to be grammatically eloquent but more about communicating with clarity.

 

Check out our blogs for more ideas and tips.

Five Tips for Helping Boys with Reading Comprehension

What to do when your son hates reading – 6 top tips

Brought to you by Tanya Grambower

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