Introduction 1. English is ever-changing. 2.What is acceptable grammar for spoken English might not be the same as what is expected for written English. 3.Teachers often think of English grammar in more difficult and complicated terms than students. 4.English grammar is complicated. No one knows it all.
What Is Grammar? Grammar is the rules, forms, functions and structure of a language When learning a piece of grammar, students need to know its: Structure Meaning Usage
Activity 1 Running Dictation / Find My Partner
Be Effective! Be clear: Use simple explanations Be efficient: keep explanations short to allow more time for practice Be memorable: Use real-life situations Be lively and interesting: Personalization will increase retention Be appropriate: Use suitable examples for the age group Be productive: Practice in as many ways as possible
Activity 2 Fun Ways to Drill Grammar
Presentation Methods CRA Clarification and Focus Teaching the structure, meaning and usage Restricted Use Students use a specific set of examples of the grammar point to practice Example activities – oral drilling, focused conversations, focused stories, guided writing, listening comprehension Authentic Use Open, free and natural use of the language. Example activities – free conversations, discussions, free writing, newspaper and magazine articles
Activity 3 Information Gap / Find the Differences
Presentation Methods 5 Step Method 1. Review - Review the previous pattern 2. Teach – Teach the new pattern (structure, meaning, usage) 3. Group Practice / Choral- drilling 4. Pair Practice / Individual Practice 5. Activities and Games – Student-Centered and Authentic Use Activities
Techniques Timelines Diagrams Personalization Symbols - mapping Charts Visual cues Substitutions Pictures Colors These techniques can help students to understand and remember grammar better:
Demo Watch the trainer do a short demo. Tick the boxes for the things you see the trainer do in the demo. Review Teach Group Practice Pair Practice / Individual Practice Activity – student centered Timeline Substitutions Personalization Colors Mapping
Common Mistakes What are some common grammar mistakes your students make? What grammar points are difficult to understand and use? What suggestions or tips do you give your students to help them improve their grammar?
Activity 4 Thermometer