Grammar is scary and stressful by default :-). Rules, verb tables, exceptions to the rules. The thick grammar books, textbooks, tests etc…
Language learners usually think that grammar is the most important issue. There is a common belief that they can’t start speaking or using the language yet until they’ve learnt the grammar. Without a doubt, waiting to speak until you’ve learned more grammar will have you on an endless hamster wheel.
Perfect grammar is not always essential for communications. You cannot speak English by studying grammar.
Can you imagine applying that logic to ‘driving a car’? You cannot drive a car only by learning the theory…
Would it be a surprise if I told you that we do not learn English grammar in an appropriate way….
“How can I start speaking before I know the grammar?”
“How can I improve my grammar at school?”
MY answer is very often simple:
DO NOT study the grammar rules!
I know, it is controversial;-). But why?
Why, exactly, is it so bad to learn by heart all the theory?
Because you learn it without a practical side in your daily life.
‚Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.‘
– Confucius
Learning the grammar in an unnatural context is a really bad idea and an ineffective way. Learning English is easier if you stop worrying about the rules… and just focus on reading and listening to native material.
We Learn By Doing
It can be particularly helpful to read out loud, as the combination of seeing, saying, and hearing. You may see certain structures that make you curious and you want to find out why certain things are said in one way and not another. Perhaps, the grammar explanations relate to something that I have already seen in my lessons. Every time you are confused or do not know the answer, look at the rule in a grammar book and try to understand the explanations. The thing with grammar is if I have nothing to relate the explanations to, I will not understand them. It would also be good if you say the sentence loud. Practice grammar sentences by saying them aloud. Let your brain remember it.
Not only reading and saying aloud will help to improve your grammar skills, but also writing. The more you practice writing with proper grammar, the more naturally it will come to you.
Be Aware Of Your Mistakes
Nobody is perfect. If you do the mistakes, it means that you learn. Remember: practice makes perfect. When you see certain things several times though eventually something will click.
If you know that grammar is an area you struggle with, spend a few minutes each day to complete grammar exercises. There are many excellent resources, both online and in print, beneficial to improving your grammar skills. A quick Internet search will reveal a multitude of websites that offer grammar games and tasks. Even the simple act of taking a few English practice tests of any level can help you improve your grammar skills.
Sometimes when we re-read parts we have written, our brain fills in the gaps of missing information. We do not always catch our own mistakes when we proofread. Reading what you have written out loud, preferably to someone else, is an efficient way to assess whether or not you have used correct grammar. You are more likely to notice your errors if you read the content aloud, rather than in your head to yourself. It may even be wise to create your own personalized checklist of items to be aware of in your writing.
Ask A Teacher For Help
When teachers give you feedback, listen to them. If you don’t understand a grammar rule, always ask for help and explanation.
We do not always catch our own mistakes, e.g. when we proofread our essays. Make sure that when you proofread your assignments, you pay special attention to those details, given by teacher.
Self-Discipline & The Power Of Learning From Mistakes
‚Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment’
– Jim Rohn
Grammar is only useful when you are ready for it and want to be aware of your mistakes. Learn from your mistakes! Making mistakes helps you to learn. Getting it wrong is the best way to learn. Research supports the theory that the more mistakes you make, the better you are learning :-).
Are you really ready to learn the English grammar?
By the way, if you want to learn a language through practical activities, not rules, then I recommend my courses. Please contact me: contact@topteaching-hall.com
Try to make Grammar learning less stressful by using these hacks. Students of any age can benefit from taking these extra strides to enhance their grammar.
Have a good one x
