Grammar

Yesterday's grammar lesson had me scratching my head. Not at the lesson, but at the 12 year old taking the lesson. He was supposed to write a numbered set of instructions on a topic of his choice, and then turn the instructions into a paragraph. He chose how to peel an apple.

He was ok with the "writing a numbered set of instructions" part, but didn't want to touch the "turn the instructions into a paragraph" part.

He argued. And argued. And argued some more.

Finally I told him he had to write the paragraph and if he just did it and got it over with he was done with school (grammar was the last thing we did yesterday.)

He disappears for a few minutes and comes back proudly proclaiming that he is done. As he is putting his notebook away I say I want to look at it and see what a great job he did.

He did the list, only leaving out a few *critical* steps. No paragraph. Hummm...

"I didn't know I had to write a paragraph!"

"But a paragraph is just the numbered list smooshed together!"

"No, I did add something! That "and" wasn't there before!"


I will save you the gory details, but here is the finished product:

Instructions
1. Buy a peeler
2. Clean the peeler.
3. Put a apple on the rod
4. Spin the crank
5. Take apple off and eat.

How to Peel an Apple
First, go to your favorite kitchen gadget store and buy a good but cheap peeler. Make sure you get one that has a crank, so it is easier and faster. Once you get the peeler home, clean it with soapy water and a sponge or rag. Make sure you rinse it! Find any kind of apple and wash it well. Put the apple on the rod of the apple peeler and spin the crank until the apple is fully peeled. Take the apple off of the peeler and eat it.