Are you teaching grammar in the wrong way?
Learn 7 ways to practice common grammar points and structures within the framework of everyday conversation.
Let’s face it- grammar can be boring, unproductive, and unengaging.
And more importantly, it doesn’t always convert into language production.
In fact, the biggest complaint I hear from teachers is that students study grammar year after year and can’t have a conversation.
That’s because we’re teaching them in the wrong way.
Rules aren’t always enough
Sometimes students can’t see a way to connect it to their own lives and make it relevant....
..which means they don't remember, learn or might feel a lack of progress, especially when it comes to natural, spoken English.
This is where we come in.
We need to face a truth: grammar and vocabulary are connected: you can't have one without the other.
By focusing on those common phrases and real-life structures, students can gain personal meaning from them and will gain a bank useful chunks of language.
These chunks are far easier to recall, especially if connections with emotions, feelings and experiences are made in class while experimenting with the language: getting students to finish these phrases with their own truths is far better than asking them to produce prescribed sentences.
With this cheat sheet, I give you 7 ways to practice common grammar points and structures within the framework of every day conversation so you can enjoy:
- Low to no prep
- A lot more language generated by the students which is MEANINGFUL and RELEVANT
- A focus is more on chunks of language rather than the grammar
Why is it mindful grammar?
The suggestions I make are based around the concepts of positivity, reflection, sharing with classmates and being present.
Sharing builds trust and community, which enables a safer and a more 'can do' learning environment.
I suggest you tailor the examples I give for your students: use this document as a starting point, use what you know about your students, unleash your creativity and come up with your own ideas.
My name is Erin O'Byrne, English Language Teacher, Teacher Trainer and host of Everything EFL Podcast. I'm delighted to share this free resource with you.
My passion is serving you and making your life easier with a combination of empathy, time-saving and practical ideas, all washed down with a healthy spoonful of the lexical approach.
