TEACHING GRAMMAR TO PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Grammar is one of the indispensable skills primary school learners require, and it is necessary for the development of good communication skills. But this is demanding, especially so in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. Yet forcing teachers to contend with obstacles such as children’s brain development, musty pedagogy, and systemic barriers such as lack of resources and rigid curricula. There do exist developments in both instructional methodology as well as technology — that just may allow for students to engage in grammar instruction in an effective and exciting way. In this post we will highlight some of the key challenges to grammar teaching and suggest new approaches, particularly the use of interactive methods, gamification, and of course professional development.