Second Grader, Southgate School, 1962

In the early 60s when I began teaching in California, we still had time each day for Social Studies.  There were prescribed ‘units’ that were to be taught at each level starting with “All About Me” in first grade – a comfortable place for six-year-olds to begin learning about similarities and differences between themselves and their classmates – and expanding ever outward as learning progressed.

Students went from “Me” to “Family” and then on to “School” and “Neighborhood.”  By third grade they were looking at our “Community,” in fourth grade our “State,” in fifth grade all “50 States” and by sixth grade the whole of “North America.”   It was a logical, comprehensive progression and, besides that, it was ‘integrated’ with the language arts.  Kids read about, wrote about, and gave speeches about the subjects they were studying.

Second Grade Consultation, 1962

Besides that, we went on field trips – beginning with walking trips through the neighborhood – especially to the fire station which was a big favorite in second grade.  And we invited speakers to come to the classroom which gave us opportunities to work on our listening skills and learn the difference between ‘asking’ and ‘telling’ during the question period at the end of the visit.

I’m sure it was in 1962 when I was teaching 2^nd grade that “Officer Friendly” from the local police station came to talk to the class.  The theme was “The Policeman is Your Friend” but in my mind, that expression is all tied up with the punctuation lessons that I was also teaching about then.

As I remember, the kids were struggling with commas at the time we wrote our thank you letters to Officer Friendly.  When one of the little girls brought me her letter to add to the packet, I suggested that she erase several of the commas that she had enthusiastically inserted after nearly every word.  I can still see her snapping brown eyes as she looked at me and said, “Commas are NOT my friends!”

Second Grade Puppet Show, 1962

I’ve never forgotten that little girl and I’ve never forgotten thinking “out of the mouths of babes” and adopting her statement about commas as my mantra forever more – plus, of course, the expression “when in doubt, insert the comma.”

I’ve been told many times that I misuse commas when naming things in a series; I’m never sure whether or not to put one before the ‘and’ — so I usually do.  Most editors I’ve dealt with over the years tell me I’m wrong.  I was so very relieved to learn recently that the New York Times Style Guide advocates using it.  Good enough for me!