When I write, I generally read my work out loud and punctuate along with my natural speech patterns. Usually when I pause naturally while talking, I assume a comma in necessary in that place. Sometimes it is easy to miss that final comma because I don't hear the pauses. Being able to watch a video like this Ted Talk and actually see demonstrations of the difference it makes has helped this concept stick in my mind.
In my opinion, employment of the Oxford Comma clearly demonstrates that the items being listed are different, completely separate from each other. Without the Oxford Comma, the impression is given that the items following the comma are somehow in relation to one another. I purposefully stated that this is an opinion because the usage of this type of punctuation is controversial. Through this informative video, I learned that some people think that, when put in proper order, lists can function without the extra common. In the video, for example, viewers are told to imagine we are sent a text that states we need to hire “Bob, a DJ and a clown.” Those who are anti-Oxford Comma argue that with some restructuring, like asking for “a DJ, Bob and a clown,” could avoid this confusion. While I can see where these arguments stem from, that approach seems to require special attention at all times, whereas simply using the comma can ensure that confusion will always be avoided.
I would definitely use this Ted Talk video in a middle grades level classroom. First, the explanation is put so simply and clearly. To add to such a straightforward explanation, it is illustrated like a mini movie. It also uses texting as an example, something that current middle schoolers are quite familiar with. Text lingo has been referred to as the death of the English language, so maybe this video example will show my students how important being grammatically correct is, even while sending a quick text message.
In addition, here are some other funny examples that would be appropriate in a middle school setting to demonstrate the importance of the Oxford Comma.