Try These 4 Methods to Teach Grammar to Young

Learners
1. 1
It Needs to Be Clear
Children aren't good at understanding abstract
concepts and grammar rules, specially young
learners. That's why we need clear contexts that
help them connect and associate with the language.
One way to achieve this is through theme based
instruction. It is important because in early language
learning it provides an ideal environment for
constructing meaning. In theme based teaching, the
curriculum is organized around a theme. Then, within
a thematic framework, all the language concepts are
interrelated and presented as a whole. Teachers also
need to adapt the language to the developmental
level of the students and choose the activities to suit
a variety of learning styles and multiple intelligences.
The advantage is that by working around a theme
students have many opportunities to find patterns
and connections, experience attractive activities with
varied content. All this facilitates interaction with
other kids their age.
2. 2
It Needs to Be Motivating and Interesting
While learning in general, students need to
feel as if the are progressing but there also
needs to be some challenge. If it's too difficult
they will be disheartened and if it's too easy they will

loose interest. Using games to teach grammar is an

incredible option because they give kids an
opportunity to interact with others in a natural way.
This is important since the construction of meaning
also has a social dimension, especially in a language
classroom. Games, role-plays and group activities
motivate students and enhance learning too. The
social dimension of games and classroom rituals is
another way in which the brain can attach meaning.
The brain searches for meaning through patterning.
It looks for patterns as it organizes information. Since
young learners i search for meaning in the activities
we provide for them, we must be sure to create
meaningful experiences from which they construct
their own patterns of understanding. Once the
students have learned a concept, they can practice it
in partners and small groups. The social relationships
of partner and small group activities add to the
richness of the learning experiences.
Here are some examples of simple activities that you
can do with your young learners:
o As your lesson starts have the whole class greet
you in the target language. After that the
students can also greet one another in a very
short, motivating activity.
o Have your students practice classroom dialogs
with partners. You can also ask they readto
each other a memorized story that they have
read in class or written.
o Students can do a weather or traffic report. Give
your kids some information about the weather or

traffic that day. Simple words or sentences on

the board are enough. Students then take turns
telling their partners about the weather or traffic
outside.
3. 3
It Needs to Be Simple
Children have a limited amount of language at
their disposal and this makes analyzing
language difficult for them. Also the vocabulary
needs to be simple and familiar so they can focus on
the grammar they are learning. According to
language acquisition, the language should be as
simple and natural as possible. For instance, if the
past tense is being taught, it shouldn't be postponed
until students are able to analyze it. What is essential
is whether the input is comprehended or not. The
grammatical details of a message generally don't
affect the comprehensibility. On the other hand, the
context surrounding the verbal message and the
vocabulary used to communicate it, affect
comprehension much more,especially in the early
stages of language acquisition. Making content
meaningful and interesting for them may well be the
most significant factors of all.
4. 4
Review and Revise
Children need many opportunities to review
and revise the language. This is to help them
retain what they have learned and to feel confident.
There are many activities that can be used to

practice as well as review grammar. Reviewing

doesn't have to be boring at all. Don't use the same
activities you used to learn or practice. Make sure to
use activities that are a bit different from others you
used before and choose ones you are certain they
will enjoy.