The importance of teaching grammar in a meaningful way

The importance of teaching grammar in a meaningful way

Today we return to focus on one of the most dreaded topics for students (and sometimes for teachers as well): grammar, one of the pillars of effective communication. Because, whether we like it or not, grammar is the backbone that supports our expressions. But how do we make this backbone less intimidating and friendly? The answer is simple: by making it relevant, that is, by connecting it to everyday and communicative situations to give it a real purpose.

How many times have we seen in exercises or manuals phrases like "John eats apples"? And let's ask ourselves, how many times in real life have we said, seen or heard a sentence like this?

It has been proven that meaningful or relevant words have an impact on long-term memory. If we teach grammar in a traditional, purposeless way, with decontextualized sentences or exercises, we will only get students to see this component as a set of complicated rules and exceptions unrelated to a meaningful purpose.

What, then, are the pillars of meaningful grammar teaching?

Connecting to the students' experience

Let's think about our own experiences with grammar in our native language. How did it influence the way we communicate? Acknowledging these experiences will help to understand grammar from a more personal perspective. Now let's imagine how we can do the same with learning Spanish. By showing how grammar is used in real situations, we can make it easier to understand and apply.

Using authentic materials

Grammar doesn't have to be just rules in a textbook. Let's introduce authenticity through songs, movies, or literary excerpts. These materials not only make grammar more accessible, they also make it memorable. The next time they hear that song, they will remember the associated grammatical structure.

Contextualized teaching

Imagine learning the rules of a game without knowing how to play it. The same is true for grammar. By teaching within a context, we connect the rules to practical, real-life situations. It's not just about understanding these rules, but knowing how and when to apply them.

Encourage active participation

Grammar is not just to be understood, but to be used. Let's encourage our students to actively participate in their grammar learning. Debates, role-plays, and creative projects are exciting ways to apply what they have learned, turning grammar into a tool, not just theoretical knowledge.

In short, if we take such innovative approaches and connect grammar to real-life situations, we will contribute not only to our students' academic success, but also to their ability to communicate confidently in Spanish.