tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7691251033406320222.post3723399072998343675..comments2024-03-26T04:19:38.862-07:00Comments on kitchen table math, the sequel: "teaching grammar doesn't work"Catherine Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03347093496361370174noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7691251033406320222.post-82855393204572185962012-11-05T08:01:20.039-08:002012-11-05T08:01:20.039-08:00When I started first grade (there was no k)in the ...When I started first grade (there was no k)in the early 50s, my teachers (Normal School or 1-2 years college)explicitly taught the structure of a sentence, capitalization and punctuation; we practiced first by copying from the board and then by dictation. Only when we could do that correctly, did we start composing our own sentences, with later paragraphs essays. In other words, grammar, composition and spelling were part of our curriculum in every year from 1-12. By the time we entered HS, even the kids heading to the general track could do ordinary writing correctly. It really does take that long, with that much explicit instruction and practice, to learn to write decently.momof4noreply@blogger.com