This semester some punctuation I would like to focus on includes: using the dash to emphasize, using the colon to emphasize, and using the semi-colon to separate two alike thoughts.When using the dash or colon, I feel like I run in to the same trap that Beth was talking about in class; to overuse the same punctuation in any given written work.

While I think I have a good understanding on the "rules" of grammar, in the use of these punctuation marks; I seem to struggle with the practical side of using such marks.

For example when I would write a sentence where I would use a dash like this: "I removed the cash from the safe -- the bank attendants were none the wiser." I would then feel limited in my ability to write by not being able to emphasize using the dash again, for a while.

I really appreciate the use of grammar and punctuation for allowing me to improve the meaning and context of my writing. However, I also feel that it can sometimes limit you, by being something that you cannot over use. The problem there does not really lie in the grammar itself, but is because of the critics and readers of the world. The dash is still the same punctuation mark, no matter how many times it is used in a piece. The dash does lose it's weight though, if used too many times in the same piece. You have to mix up the punctuation marks, like a boxer mixes in different punches.

Maybe what I am looking for is a alternative to these punctuation marks that I could use. I am also looking for the best ways to teach high school level kids the way to use some of these marks in their writing. I believe that if grammar is taught as a tool to improve writing, rather than a set of rules, that students will be much more likely to actually learn the material. I also know that improving my writing, will help me improve others writing in the future.

The last thing I am looking for in this class is an all around basis of knowledge of grammar. I feel that my education of grammar at this point is remedial at best. I believe that I can be a much more effective writer if I improve my ability to forge sentences and use correct grammar for the situation. Grammar can completely make or break a given thought or story; so I wish to use grammar to be able to write clearly and powerfully. Grammar as a tool rather than "rules" is extremely useful rather than harmful. I would just like to add more tools to my writers toolbox.

These are the things I hope to learn and improve in this class. In general I believe all my goals to pertain to my ability to teach English in the future and to improve my writing for years to come. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on my blog.