Reply to Schools that excel in teaching writing, analysis and critical thinking

Forum Index » Private & Independent Schools

Reply to "Schools that excel in teaching writing, analysis and critical thinking"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Foreign language grammar structure and syntax don't naturally translate to English. And grammar for most needs explicit instruction, not just osmosis.[/quote]

Yes, of course, English differs from other languages; the differences are exactly what piques one's curiosity, leading to greater awareness and understanding.  As for learning by osmosis, I'll stand by my experience in this regard.  There are some fine points of grammar which require instruction and drill, but, a student who reads widely will grasp these points more quickly having seen them in context.               [/quote]

Another teacher here.  I don't oppose teaching grammar (learning to recognize common trouble areas and do it right is important), but the single most effective method of becoming a good writer is, I also believe, from reading -- lots and lots, and lots of well-written material (and that would include children's literature -- Harry Potter, Narnia books, Golden Compass, Hunger Games books, etc. -- plenty of fun and well-written stuff out there for kids and young adults).

If you can bear the years of fighting over screen time, and are willing to put away your own devices in leisure time (says the woman who loves House of Cards -- I know this is not easy), the single best thing you can do at home to support your child's education is to model reading for pleasure and try to put a structure in place where your child reads for pleasure.  Not easy, but worth it.  Almost every great student writer I come across loves to read (and the relationship may be 100% -- I don't always know their outside reading habits).[/quote]

I'm the poster you quoted, and I'll only add that putting the structure in place is pretty easy -- make some hot chocolate, put out some cookies and stretch out on the couch to read.  Your kids will follow your lead, especially if you make available books that they'll enjoy without nagging them to read.  Once they start reading, ask them how they like the book.  Would they recommend it?  Would they like to read more by the same author?  And screen time isn't all bad, either if you engage your kids in conversation about what you watch.  There are lots of different ways to encourage critical thinking.         [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics