ABSTRACT

This chapter considers what it means to "teach grammar". Effective teachers spend some time teaching rules, but make their clear priority the use of grammar, "knowing" the language, not just "knowing about" the language. The chapter shows that the language teacher can have the best of both worlds in the languages classroom: the teacher can provide lots of meaningful input as well as doing controlled grammar practice. It gives some examples of how best to use worksheets and create opportunities for structured practice of grammar, including through the use of digital technology. The chapter presents an example of an approach to teaching a verb tense, along with a detailed commentary. Students will only pick up the rules and use them with some fluency if they have had the chance to see them in action and practise using them. Translation is often a part of assessment regimes and most teachers find it useful to incorporate elements of it in lessons.