Question: The way I introduce new grammar is sometimes boring for learners. What can I do? 

Answer: Try using a chart. 

Learners can get bored if you introduce grammar in the same way all the time. Try something different, like using a chart to communicate real information. The example below is for the past simple. 

1. Create a chart 

Draw a chart on the board. Get the learners to copy it into their books.

Name Book / read Film / saw Sport / played TV programme / watched
         
         
         

2. Model  

Ask five learners questions based on the information in the chart, e.g. What was the last film you saw? What was the last sport you played? Write the learners’ names and their answers in the chart, making sure you use the target language (e.g. watched Spider-Man; played football).  

3. Focus on the form and use 

Ask the learners: ‘What questions did I ask?’ Elicit two or three examples. Ask learners to write them on the board. Highlight the form. Check they understand the meaning of ‘last’.  

4. Practise 

Erase the answers in the chart. Say: ‘Work in groups of four. Ask and answer questions. Write names and short answers in your chart.’ Monitor.  

Tell them to write five sentences based on the information in the chart. Monitor and check the grammar.  

 You can use a chart to introduce different grammar with all ages and large classes.  

Which grammar will you introduce and practise using a chart?

Glossary

Elicit: How a teacher gets information from learners, e.g. asking questions, prompting. 

Form: The structure of a language item. For example, how to form a question or the past simple ending of regular verbs. 

Monitor: The way a teacher watches to see how well an individual, group or class is doing a particular task.

Target language: The grammar structures or vocabulary that are the focus of the lesson.