"By 1750, Lord Chesterfield famously warned his son that "orthography … is so absolutely necessary for a man of letters, or a gentleman, that one false spelling may fix a ridicule upon him for the rest of his life." Today, it is difficult to imagine anyone taking Chesterfield's admonition seriously. If spell-check doesn't catch the problem, whatever! Does spelling really matter, anyway?" (Baron, 2009).
These few sentences hold a really powerful message that encapsulates the entire evolution of the English language, and how the care that people have for using proper English has nearly faded into the background in some cases--but the word "most" has no place in that statement. Although the last statement--"Does spelling really matter, anyway?"--applies to some people, there are many more people who do not believe this is true. Writers and speakers of English are often ridiculed if using improper grammar, so they are more likely to try to use the most proper grammar they can.
This video is from my childhood--one of many used as a tool to teach basic lessons in a catchy way, allowing for easier memory of the subjects being presented. Enjoy & remember your childhood if you're as old as me! ...if not, mock me for my age. :)
References:
Baron, Naomi. " Educational Leadership:Literacy 2.0:Are Digital Media Changing Language? ." Membership, policy, and professional development for educators – ASCD . N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2011. <http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/Are-Digital-Media-Changing-Language%C2%A2.aspx>.
Video from youtube.com address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Eam2rL5S-4
What a great example of how videos have been used to catch the interest of students. Through the years videos have become more sophisticated in their presentation of information. My personal favorite is “Conjunction Junction What’s Your Function”. My mother has used School House Rock for many years as a teaching tool.
ReplyDeleteYour post made some valid points. I feel for a formal style of writing individuals strive to use correct grammar and spelling. In other contexts, individuals sometimes do not stick to such a formal style of writing. I have grown up in a home where correct usage of the “King’s English” (as my father refers to grammar) has been stressed. For that reason, I suppose I attempt to pay attention to how I structure language.
I agree that not everyone is making very much effort to use proper grammar anymore and i think it depends on who you are around decides whether you try to use proper grammatically correct English.
ReplyDeleteI use to love School House Rock! But anyway I found your post very true but somewhat discouraging because proper grammer is not used. I have no room to talk though because I never use speak/write properaly. But I think that it should still be stressed in school and definitely use School House Rock.
ReplyDelete1)Your amazing for using School House rock !
ReplyDelete2) I agree with u
3) I believe writers should be stressed about their books i mean ... they are ENGLISH majors ..
4) I believe our slang will be in the dictionary so they (Writers) WOnt get stressed out over it so much !
Even though im a mathematics major i still believe the fundamentals of Grammar are still important to know !
Another thought on children's educational videos is that they didn't stop with "School House Rock," but continue still today! Disney has "Mickey Mouse Playhouse" which teaches lessons discreetly, while encouraging fun; and there is also "Word World," "Word Girl," and plenty of others that encourage the use of words to express oneself! Yes, I'm admitting to watching them, but I really like to pay attention to what's on television as far as educational shows are concerned.
ReplyDelete