English instructors need to cover the basics of English mechanics with their students. This includes topics such as grammar, spelling and punctuation. Students learn these concepts best through a combination of example and practice. Introduce small writing assignments into your daily classroom routine so that students can practice the mechanics of writing. Students also benefit from reading tightly written, journalistic articles from local newspapers or magazines. These examples help students to learn the patterns of strong English composition.
Students must learn to engage with and appreciate English literature from a variety of sources. Many instructors use reading lists established at the state or local school board level. These reading lists often include a mix of older classics and more contemporary works. Students need to understand the relationship between English language, literature and culture. They should learn, for example, about the many English phrases that come from Shakespeare and the King James Version of the Bible. Understanding the connection between literature and culture can also enhance students' apprecation of these works.
Teaching students about the relationship between English and other languages expands their understanding of their own use of language. One way that teachers can facilitate this exploration is by discussing the history and origin of various English words. Studying etymology helps students to understand the relationship between the Romance languages, the Germanic languages and English. Word origins also point to the many diverse cultures that have influenced American English, such as that of the French, Spanish and Native Americans.
Teachers should instruct students not only in the mechanics of the English language but also in its creative possibilities. Learning about metaphors, similes and other poetic and prosaic devices can help students to discover new ways of communicating. Creative writing also gives students an outlet for self-expression and an aesthetic appreciation than can help to make them lifelong learners of the English language.