Parent Tips: Practice 1.2.4

In this practice, we introduce the concept of formal versus informal English. We define formal English as using strict respect for conventions and informal English as being loose with conventions. One of the great tasks for most kids is to learn to hear the difference and to switch to a formal voice when they write at school; almost all kids use some form of informal English as their default. Congratulate your student(s) when they do a good job of using formal English in their work. It will take many of them a long time to embrace the concept and get used to hearing the difference. Some students will demand to know why they have to bother. Our answer is that other people will take your words more seriously, because paying attention to conventions signals to people that you are thorough and conscientious and that you want to be understood. It’s a form of verbal respect to other people and usually makes it easier for more people to understand your words today and far into the future.