Trade traditional grammar instruction for a lively grammar rant and pet peeve classroom activity. This upbeat approach to grammar helps learners to contextualize English language from a sociocultural view for practical grammar application and usage.
What is a Grammar Rant or Pet Peeve?
In the English Language Journal, May 2006 article, "Analyzing Grammar Rants: An Alternative to Traditional Grammar Instruction," authors Kenneth Lindblom and Patricia A. Dunn of California State University Northridge write:
Journalists, cultural critics, and others frequently publish their complaints about the teaching of grammar, spelling,writing, and speaking. Because these laments are often heated, we call these writings 'grammar rants.' They go back as far as ancient Greece and appear frequently today in newspapers (71).
An example of a grammar rant or pet peeve can be found in this April 9, 2002 Dear Abby advice column. The list of grammar 'don'ts' and diction 'rules' are directed at very particular grammar and language pronunciation traditions.
Heated Grammar Debate
Incorporating a grammar rant or pet peeve lesson plan to your English instruction can spur heated classroom debates including:
- Cultural Traditions
- Family Traditions
- Regional Differences
- Class Differences
A useful entry to grammar rants may be a general discussion of pet peeves before transitioning to grammar specific pet peeves. Useful questions may be:
- What are your top three pet peeves?
- Why?
Ask your learners to write a list of pet peeves and share with the class. Some learners may even debate a pet peeve.
How Grammar Lessons Work
Lessons and activities will vary per level and class. However, most grammar rant lessons will begin with a short reading on grammar pet peeves. After, instructors can lead students in an interactive group activity to understand the reading. Finally, after assessing a learners understanding of the material, an individual or group activity can be used to reinforce common grammar do's and don'ts, cultural and regional grammar and pronunciation differences and practical-life application of basic grammar rules.
Check out Susan Spangler's Grammar Rant Lesson on the Read, Write, Think website for a free lesson plan and classroom printouts.
Why Use Grammar Rants or Pet Peeves to Teach?
Grammar rants and pet peeves is a creative way to mix-up traditional grammar lessons. Learners can actively engage in English language instruction that allows a direct application to personal and practical writing and verbal communication.
The heated debate may also allow instructors to assess grammar strengths and weaknesses for future differential instruction.
References
Dunn, Patricia A. and Kenneth Lindblom. "Analyzing Grammar Rants: An Alternative to Traditional Grammar Instruction. English Language. May, 2006.
"Good Grammar is Sweet Music to Any Language Lover's Ears." Dear Abby Advice Column. 2002. Universal Press Syndicate.
