Blog#2

Blog #2 What is Standard English?

Standard English as defined by Anita Barry is “the form of English that is recognized as the English of the educated, irrespective of region, gender, or ethnicity.” According to Norduquist, “ Standard English there is no single standard of English. Standard English is a dialect. “ I believe Standard English is a living and active dialect that is constantly changing, as we change in our societies. As we evolve, Standard English evolves.

What is Grammar? Descriptive? Prescriptive?

Grammar according to Kenneth Beave, “helps us understand what makes sentences and paragraphs clear, interesting and precise.” I believe grammar is necessary. We need a common standard of English that we can measure ourselves against in some way. When I first thought of Standard English I viewed it as correct way to speak English. However, in comparison to Norduquist, grammar is evolving so therefore, there is no single standard English or grammar. Language and the mechanics are constantly changing.

What is the Value of Studying Grammar?

Understanding and being able to converse both descriptively and prescriptively will aid adults and children in being able to speak in both formal and informal situations.

Which English is Best?

There isn’t a Best English. English changes ; Standard English helps children to know how to speak appropriately, yet it is important for them to know how to use informal and formal language.

Teaching Grammar in an ESL Classroom

Grammar can be taught in a Kindergarten classroom, but must be meaningfully connected. I believe that children need to understand how a language is formed

and how to speak the language appropriately. This will help the child to effectively speak the language.

Principled Eclecticism

According to Leonardo, Principled eclecticism refers to “the use of various teaching styles in a discriminating manner as required by learner needs and styles.” I believe that learners do learn as well as behave differently and require different teaching styles. I have learned many ways to teach the same lessons to reach different students.

Teaching grammar plays a central role in every ESL/ELL teacher's classroom. Without grammar children will never really master a language. How do I teach grammar is by incorporating grammar in my everyday lessons; such as teaching them to use describing words in their sentences or the reasons we capitalize the first letter of a sentence. I’m glad we have grammar ; however teaching grammar, teachers can use the principled Electicism, which is learning how teach in different ways. The more ways we know how to teach lessons to reach children the more effective we will be as teachers.

http://www.profleo.com/english


Barry, Anita (2002) English Grammar. New Jersey, Prentice Hall