Re: proving grammar is necessary for reading and writing well (Classical Sources Message Board)

Re: proving grammar is necessary for reading and writing well
Author: Penny	January 4, 2000 at 16:18:52
in reply to: proving grammar is necessary for reading and writing well* posted by Lorie on August 1, 1999 at 14:44:38*

> What materials have you read which attempt to prove learning grammar well results in increased reading comprehension and better writing skills? To many of you this question seems crazy, but I teach in a public school and my focus on grammar is questioned by teachers and parents. I want to be ready with an articulate and simple answer. Any suggestions on reading materials? I just know that my students' low reading levels and inability to write sentences stem from a total ignorance of parts of speech and basic sentence structure. It is common sense I know, but everything is debatable these days!

Hi Lori,

I am a homeschool mom and no expert. But the need for grammar in improving reading comprehension, especially in more classical readings seems obvious. The purpose of grammar is to get the reader back to the authors original ideas. Unfortunately over time the meanings of words, translation, abridging original works changes grammar and the meaning of the original works. One's ability to liguistically dissect a passage from the original text with grammar can reveal the author's intent. This is the reason early classicists wanted their students to learn Latin. Many of the classics Plato, Aristotle, etc.. were translated into Latin. Latin, unlike English was a more consistently structured language. It was more precise.
in its grammar. Unfortunately in a postmodern world many believe
that words are all relative and have no true meaning. But anyone who

would be an informed reader or a skilled word crafter
should have a

good understanding of grammar. Just think how difficult it would be
to read Shakespeare if you didn't have a good grasp of grammar. The bottom line is that grammar gets us back to the original meaning of the author.
Sincerely,
Penny

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> > What materials have you read which attempt to prove learning grammar well results in increased reading comprehension and better writing skills? To many of you this question seems crazy, but I teach in a public school and my focus on grammar is questioned by teachers and parents. I want to be ready with an articulate and simple answer. Any suggestions on reading materials? I just know that my students' low reading levels and inability to write sentences stem from a total ignorance of parts of speech and basic sentence structure. It is common sense I know, but everything is debatable these days! > > Hi Lori, > > I am a homeschool mom and no expert. But the need for grammar in improving reading comprehension, especially in more classical readings seems obvious. The purpose of grammar is to get the reader back to the authors original ideas. Unfortunately over time the meanings of words, translation, abridging original works changes grammar and the meaning of the original works. One's ability to liguistically dissect a passage from the original text with grammar can reveal the author's intent. This is the reason early classicists wanted their students to learn Latin. Many of the classics Plato, Aristotle, etc.. were translated into Latin. Latin, unlike English was a more consistently structured language. It was more precise. > in its grammar. Unfortunately in a postmodern world many believe > that words are all relative and have no true meaning. But anyone who > > would be an informed reader or a skilled word crafter > should have a > > good understanding of grammar. Just think how difficult it would be > to read Shakespeare if you didn't have a good grasp of grammar. The bottom line is that grammar gets us back to the original meaning of the author. > Sincerely, > Penny
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