DEAR HELOISE: As a retired high school English teacher, I read with interest the letter concerning how written and spoken English standards have deteriorated in the United States. Based on my experience, my students in middle school would tell me that there was little to no exposure to grammar skills or learning to speak in front of a group. There wasn’t any diagramming of sentences or speech units.

Most of this is due to state education departments who apparently no longer feel that grammar skills and being articulate are necessary — and that students will somehow learn on their own. The emphasis now, of course, is on state-mandated exams. They dictate what is to be taught and what day it is to be taught. Speech courses were once required for graduation but have now been eliminated from curriculums.

So, foreign language teachers have had to pick up the slack and start teaching grammar, which is essential when learning a second language. I’d incorporate grammar in my classes by using student composition errors (mini grammar units), teach them how to diagram a sentence, and assign projects that required students to speak in front of their classmates. And don’t get me started on the death of cursive!

— Jon, in Houston, English Teacher of 42 Years

Jon, I used to love diagramming a sentence, and it was so useful when writing compositions. Readers, what is your opinion on American education these days? Let us know at Heloise@Heloise.com.

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: I had three high school graduation gifts to wrap for my grandchildren. I had recently sorted through my collection of road maps that were used on various trips. I was able to find maps that featured the areas where my grandchildren were going to college. So, I wrapped each box in the appropriate map, with the important area centered on the top of the gift box.

Regular gift wrap wouldn’t have worked as well because we gift each grandchild with a tool kit as part of their graduation gift, which is a heavy gift. Three of my grandchildren who’ve already graduated from college told us that this was a useful gift in college and was also handy as they went into their own apartments.

I’ve followed the “Hints From Heloise” column in three different states as we moved.

— Judith M. L., in Bedford, New Hampshire

Judith, thank you for being a dedicated reader! Wrapping a gift in a road map is one of my mother’s old favorite hints. I’ll bet your grandchildren loved how cleverly you managed to have their college town front and center on their gift!

— Heloise

BUILDING LIFE SKILLS

Dear Heloise: I raised five children, and each one worked during the summers. They worked in ice cream stores, department stores, lawn service, and car washes for low wages. But what they didn’t make in actual money was made up for by learning responsibility, budgeting skills and punctuality. I’m proud to say that all five children went to college and graduated. A summer job helped each one of them develop skills that they’ll use all their lives. I love your column! — Joyce D., in Overland Park, Missouri

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