This quick TED-Ed Talk taught us about language using fun animation and easy-to-follow explanations. It breaks down the following:

Prescriptivism – the linguistic approach that says language should follow consistent rules and informs others of common, established patterns in language

Descriptivism – the linguistic approach that strives to learn and map the differences in languages without pushing for a set, “correct” standard

The video is just over four minutes and will teach your students a bit of the history and thinking behind language!

Ted-Ed. “Does Grammar Matter?” Online video. YouTube. YouTube, 12 Apr. 2016. Web. 29 April 2016.