Grammar in the classroom?

As we discussed on the first day of class, most of our grammar education from elementary to high school was taught from a textbook. I will be the first to admit that I will agree with Weaver in her chapters about being taught from a textbook should not be the chosen path. The textbook examples, from what I remember would focus on whatever the chapter was about, whether it be about verbs or  about prepositions it would only focus on those topics for 5-10 short pages of activities and examples. I, as a student would simply copy from the example and never really learn anything.... but does that make me too illiterate to write a ten page paper?

Weaver states that historically "Grammar became the chief subject of the trivium , studied intensively because it was considered the foundation of all knowledge ...conscious knowledge of grammar was thought to be a prerequisite for understanding theology and philosophy as well as literature. Furthermore, 'grammar was thought to discipline mind and soul at the same time'" (18). Due to these beliefs in the educational system, grammar was taught as a separate subject in order to focus on parts of speech and word choice as well as specifying nouns, verbs, and pronouns. However, since grammar was being taught as a separate subject, it took away from the process of writing in combination with the subject of grammar. By the end of chapter 2 we learn that although still today teachers continue to teach grammar separate from writing the ultimate winner in this situation has no actual solution. It is the student's ability to write well is because of the wide range of reading which includes the rich use of language. However, the goal is to influence students to read such material while also improving their writing and grammar simultaneously.

The three P's of grammar I found to be very interesting as a future teacher. Weaver explains that "Teaching grammar to enrich and enhance writing is teaching grammar as possibility. We see it as positive, offering options rather than focusing on errors; as productive, especially in the sense that it produces effective sentences and paragraphs that flow; and as eminently practical" (26). To me, this explanation is being able to see grammar in a new light. In order to effectively write a paper, grammar is absolutely necessary. Teachers must positively reinforce the skills of grammar to adequately produce a practical essay or paper. I believe that the three P's are a great way to explain to my students why grammar is so important when learning to structure a paper or why it is important for writing in general.