4. NEW Teaching Grammar (Step 3)

Summary

This video explains how to effectively apply grammar in meaningful contexts. It highlights the importance of collaborative activities that promote discussion, critical thinking, and creativity. Using an example from a unit on animal habitats, the video demonstrates how students can personalize grammar topics by asking and answering questions. Activities like writing questions with 'why' and discussing preferences about animals help students practice grammar in real-life conversations, enhancing their communicative abilities. The video also suggests using flashcards to further scaffold conversation skills and make grammar learning more engaging and relevant.

Takeaways

• 📝 Applying grammar involves using grammar structures in meaningful contexts.
• 👥 Partner or small group activities promote discussion, critical thinking, and creativity.
• 📚 The unit on animal habitats includes activities that personalize the grammar topic.
• ❓ Activity 2 involves students writing questions with 'why' based on given answers.
• 🕷️ Example: 'Why does a spider make a web?' is a scaffolded question to practice 'why' questions.
• 💬 The last activity promotes conversation by discussing animals and personal preferences.
• 🐦 Example dialogue: 'Why do you like parrots? Because they're colorful and smart.'
• 📸 Using flashcards can further scaffold students' conversation abilities about animals.
• 🐘 Example prompt: 'Do you like elephants? Yes, why? Because they have long trunks and big ears.'
• 🔄 Encouraging students to apply grammar to real-life situations helps build communicative abilities.

Q & A

What does 'applying grammar' mean in the context of the script?

Applying grammar refers to using grammar structures in meaningful contexts to enhance communication and understanding.

Why is working in partners or small groups beneficial for learning grammar?

Working in partners or small groups promotes discussion, encourages critical thinking, and fosters creativity, which are essential for effective language learning.

What are some activities in the students' book that can be used to personalize the grammar topic?

The students' book includes activities such as writing questions with 'why' for each answer given, which helps scaffold students' ability to ask questions and personalize the grammar topic.

How can the unit on animal habitats be used to apply grammar in a meaningful way?

The unit on animal habitats provides a context where students can use grammar to discuss and understand the reasons behind animal behaviors and habitats.

What is an example of a personalized grammar activity mentioned in the script?

An example is Activity 2, where students write a question with 'why' for each answer given, such as 'Why does a spider make a web?'

How can partners discuss questions to complete the activity together?

Partners can engage in dialogue, asking and answering questions like 'Why does a spider make a web?' to deepen their understanding of the grammar topic.

What is the purpose of the last activity in the students' book?

The last activity promotes conversation with a partner, allowing students to ask and answer questions about animals, thereby applying grammar to real-life conversations.

How can flashcards be used to further scaffold students' conversational abilities about animals?

Flashcards of animals can be used to prompt students to ask questions in pairs or small groups, such as 'Do you like elephants? Why?'

What is the importance of applying the grammar topic to real-life situations?

Applying the grammar topic to real-life situations helps students to contextualize their learning, making the grammar more relevant and easier to remember.

Why is it important for students to personalize the grammar topic?

Personalizing the grammar topic allows students to relate the grammar to their own lives, which can make the learning process more engaging and meaningful.

What is the main goal of the script's approach to teaching grammar?

The main goal is to help students apply grammar in a way that is both practical and personalized, enhancing their communicative abilities and understanding of the language.