Rationale

The teaching of grammar is not new. However, the introduction of compulsory languages teaching at KS2 with its accompanying programme of study, together with the requirements of study for the new GCSE examinations at KS4, have encouraged teachers to revisit and review their approaches to teaching grammar at all key stages.

The resources on the wiki aim to support teachers as they design their schemes of work and plan their lessons at KS2 and KS3, taking account of the expectations and aspirations for language learning expressed in the new documentation.

Grammar is worth knowing about in order to create language that suits its purpose; the grammar relevant to speaking (endings that are sounded or not, register and choice of constructions) is different from that relating to writing (where the impact of grammar on spelling is important); the grammar of informal contexts is less rigorous than that of formal situations (and exams!)

Above all, the resources are designed to embed grammatical knowledge and understanding within interesting contexts and engaging tasks and activities, as well as to encourage learners to develop their ability to use grammar actively for:

• decoding meaning in listening and reading
• expressing themselves clearly and spontaneously in speaking
• writing creatively and accurately

When considering what we as teachers of foreign languages mean by grammar and how we best teach it, it is useful to collaborate with our English colleagues to consider how they talk about grammar and how they introduce grammatical concepts to learners at KS2 and KS3. For an example see the Languages Today article (Spring 2016) written jointly by ALL, NATE and CLIE members. A longer version with more background and research will also appear in the Language Zones.

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