Good Grammar Counts, Period: Resources for Teaching Grammar

Good grammar is important, but how do you inspire kids to watch their Ps and Qs (and commas and ellipses)? It’s easy, according to Jeff Rubin (pictured), who breaks into song, a little ditty called “Punctuation, Punctuation,” sung to the tune of “Frère Jacques.” That’s just one example of how to teach younger students the basics, he says.

In these days of text messaging and email shorthand, Rubin believes encouraging students to use proper grammar is more critical than ever. A journalist, Rubin founded National Punctuation Day (NPD), an annual event to celebrate good grammar and offer help to those challenged in this area.

This year’s celebration happened on September 24, but NPD’s site offers a range of helpful resources accessible year-round. They include Punctuation Bingo, Punctuation Paintball, BBC’s “Making Sentences” games, and Looking at Punctuation by the Utah Education Network.

“It has struck a chord,” says Rubin, who, since launching NPD, has received accolades from educators around the country. Students have created grammar games and even devised a punctuation meat loaf recipe. Rubin himself launched a baking contest this year, offering prizes for those who submitted a photo of their punctuation-themed treats. Still, he says, “There’s a lot of controversy. Some teachers don’t care what [students are writing] as long as they’re writing. But I feel like there’s a right way and a wrong way. If you let them slide, then they’re taking remedial English in college.”