English is a difficult language to learn to write and speak properly. Many students today seem to be weak in spelling and grammar skills and this may be, in part, because so much emphasis is placed on math and science skills. It is understandable, because so much money is tied up in students doing well in those two areas on standardized tests.
Regardless of the emphasis, it is important that our sixth graders learn the grammar rules necessary to write well. As our students begin to write more and longer papers, the temptation is for them to use spelling and grammar checkers that come with word processing programs. While this may fix the most glaring errors, it is still not a substitute for recognizing and repairing the errors yourself.
Additionally, English grammar rules are very flexible. It is just not possible for any word processing program to come up with every possible instance of potential errors. The better your student understands the grammar rules, and the spelling rules, the better their writing will be. Since writing will only get longer and more complex as our students get older, it is very important that we give them a firm foundation now. If your child is struggling, it is worth the time to slow down and let them firm up that foundation.
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