Teaching Language: From Grammar to Grammaring

Teaching Language: From Grammar to Grammaring challenges traditional views of grammar instruction by introducing the concept of "grammaring" - treating grammar as a skill rather than a static set of rules. The book presents grammar as a dynamic system that learners need to internalize through practice and meaningful engagement. Larsen-Freeman draws on research from linguistics, second language acquisition, and cognitive science to support her framework for teaching grammar. Through examples and case studies, she demonstrates how teachers can move beyond mechanical drills to help students develop true grammatical competence. The book provides specific teaching techniques, assessment methods, and classroom activities that align with the grammaring approach. These practical applications show teachers how to implement this perspective across different learning contexts and proficiency levels. This work represents a fundamental shift in how educators conceptualize grammar instruction, suggesting that successful language teaching requires understanding grammar as both a knowledge domain and a skill to be developed. The text bridges theoretical linguistics and practical pedagogy while advocating for more dynamic approaches to language education.

Readers appreciate the book's reconceptualization of grammar as a dynamic skill ("grammaring") rather than a static set of rules. Teachers note its practical classroom applications and clear explanations of complex linguistic concepts. Liked: - Balance of theory and practical teaching strategies - Accessible writing style for both new and experienced teachers - Examples from multiple languages - Focus on grammar as a process Disliked: - Some concepts repeated across chapters - Limited coverage of certain grammatical structures - Price high for length - Some sections too theoretical for classroom teachers One reader on Amazon stated "The book gave me concrete ways to make grammar instruction more engaging and meaningful." A Goodreads reviewer noted "The theoretical parts were dense but worth working through." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (47 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (28 ratings) Google Books: 4/5 (15 ratings)

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Teaching Grammar in Context by Constance Weaver The book presents methods for integrating grammar instruction into writing workshops and authentic literacy experiences.

Grammar as a Tool for Writing Development by Debra Myhill and Susan Jones Research findings and classroom examples demonstrate how grammatical choices shape meaning in writing across different genres and contexts.

The Grammar Book: Form, Meaning, and Use for English Language Teachers by Marianne Celce-Murcia, Diane Larsen-Freeman This comprehensive reference connects form-focused instruction with meaning and use through detailed explanations and pedagogical applications.

Making Sense of Grammar by David Crystal The text examines how grammar functions as a meaning-making system through real-world examples and linguistic analysis.

📚 The author coined the term "grammaring" to emphasize that grammar should be taught as a dynamic process rather than a static set of rules. 🎓 Diane Larsen-Freeman pioneered the application of chaos/complexity theory to second language acquisition, revolutionizing how we understand language learning. 🌟 The book challenges traditional ESL teaching methods by presenting grammar as the fifth skill, alongside reading, writing, speaking, and listening. 🔄 Published in 2003, this work was one of the first to emphasize that grammar teaching should focus on developing learners' ability to use structures accurately, meaningfully, and appropriately. 🌍 The concepts presented in this book have influenced language teaching methodologies worldwide and have been incorporated into teacher training programs across six continents.