Oh, I have many things that annoy me,
but this is the one currently stuck in my head.
Contractions in books for kids (like
early readers, for kids seven and under). I just don't like it.
Back in my old school days, you know,
the days when one had to walk up hill to and from
school, contractions were a big No No during English class. It was
considered lazy to shorten words; and really, we were, essentially,
only dropping one or two letters at the most, so why not just write
the whole word out.
In today's world of texting and
tweeting, kids are growing up without even using vowels half the
time. I admit I am guilty of doing this too; you have to ditch
something when trying to fit a thought into 140 – 160 characters.
Therefore, I feel it is especially important to preserve proper
writing in kid's book; to show kids how to actually spell words and
form sentences.
I also understand the concept that we
often read with our ears - that is sentences written in a
conversational tone are easier to read and to comprehend. However, I
do not see why we should make everything in life easy. What is wrong
with being a little bit challenged?
Besides, I find contractions make
learning to read more difficult. My daughter is starting to sound
out words, and in order to sound out words you need letters and
VOWELS. You try sounding out doesn't.
So publishers of children's books,
please stop using contractions. And writers, remember you often get
paid per word; so is two words not better than one?
