15. How to Teach Grammar to English Learners

The ESL Teaching Podcast

Apr 5 2022 • 13 mins

Teachers are often puzzled when they approach teaching grammar for a couple of reasons. Particularly if they are native english speakers, they often don’t feel like they know formal grammar rules very well. They just know when a phrase or sentence “sounds right.”

The other big struggle for teachers is not knowing what order makes sense to teach grammar rules to their students.

But the bottom line is ESL students do need to learn grammar so that they have a framework, a safety net, to rely on as they learn and practice the language. In fact, students often ask me for help with grammar and give a sigh of relief when they are handed a grammar worksheet. Remember, those rules provide them with a sense of safety.

In this podcast episode, I will break down the most important grammar points to touch upon when you get a new beginner English learner and the suggested order in which to teach them.
Here is what you will hear about Grammar for English Learners:

  • Reasons you may feel overwhelmed by teaching grammar
  • Reasons it is important to teach grammar to your English Learners
  • What grammar rules are most important to teach
  • What order I suggest teaching grammar
  • Activity suggestions specific to the age of your students

As mentioned in the episode, I am linking some useful resources!



The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join.


Follow me on Instagram

Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group

How to Teach ESL Grammar for Beginners: Tips, Activities and Games

Video: Grammar Teaching Tips for ESL Teachers



Support the Show.