Natalie wrote in to ask…
I would want to know how to teach grammar at different levels in a fun way.
Thank you very much for getting in touch Natalie.
It’s always best to teach grammar by actually using it first and then add in the terminology later (if it’s needed for exams etc.)
And in Genki English we, subconsciously, teach the kids how to use the grammar by using the songs.
Each one has a specific grammar point which the kids learn very easily and of course they are lots of fun!
The basic, most common grammar points are covered in the regular songs: https://genkienglish.net/songs.htm
And the advanced songs contain more high school level grammar: http://HipHopEnglish.com
Enjoy!
Indeed the songs do so much! When I played the new class game on 13, for summer sports, where they have to build:
I like…
Do you like…?
you don’t like….
sentences, there was no problem, except for them finding it weird to say “Do I like…?”
But that’s fine, too.
However I also could see clearly that the songs are not enough; as exactly the stuff that isn’t covered in the songs makes them problems:
Mostly these are third person things, or negative statements.
He/She doesn’t like/ Does he,she like…
“cannot “(they want to go for>>”don’t can”
Richard, don’t worry: I won’T ask for another couple of songs, because I think the philosophy of thinking and stating positive things is much more important than the need for this grammar. However, we do need to teach it at some point, and here , Natalie I’d suggest you to use games. There are many videos about those on this blog, I know, but you must check back for 5,6 years or maybe run through the forum. I have the videos I’m thinking of in my mind, but I really don’t remember the titles or years~I think most of what I am mentioning here was posted by Yumiko.
Also it is great to use the “Last card game” with a variation of grammar points, so instead of saying “Grandma likes potatoes” tell the kids they have to make only negative forms, or questions or past tense or whatever you want to practice!!!
Hope this helps.
Margit
I have been amazed by how much more grammar I could teach my preschoolers using Genki English songs, even relatively difficult concepts. Children just need to get using the language in a real way as quick as possible, saving any kind of detailed “grammar explanation” for later (or never in some cases.
With little kids, its 1) Teach Song (and a little bit of L1 explanation) -> 2) practice the language in games -> 3) Voila! real usage begins…
For example, no sooner had I taught the “What are you doing? song” to my six-year olds, then they started asking me and each other, “What are you doing?” It can truly be like magic.*
* This is NOT a paid endorsement.^^