How to apply the Grammar Translation Method in the classroom?

Grammar Translation Method

As we have said before, this field of applied linguistics is used to teach foreign languages so we will now provide different strategies to put it into practice in a Primary Education classroom. 

To start with the concept of Translating Grammar, first of all, we will begin by teaching the children the basic grammatical concepts of the foreign language such as nouns, verbs, pronouns etc. 

It is important to emphasize that short and simple sentences are necessary in order for the students to have a good understanding. As a resource, we will use books with the foreign language appropriate for the student's age and with a beginner level so that they can be introduced to the method. 

Secondly, we can provide them with simple sentences in the foreign language and the students will start translating the provided sentences into their native language. And so little by little the level of the sentences will become progressively more complicated.

Thirdly, we can provide exercises based on the specific grammatical structures and rules of the language to be taught and these will look at the parts of speech and verb conjugation. 

Fourthly, we can apply the practice of reading and writing with the aim of making them adapt in the best possible way both aurally and visually and through these, students translate the sentences of the reading books they are reading. 

Fifth, we find the introduction of vocabulary. For this, new words will be provided in sentences for the students to translate. 

Something to keep in mind when implementing this method, apart from the practical part explained above, it is also important to focus on activities and games so that they are motivated before this method, for example, you can use memory games applying the words of the foreign language.

Finally, it is important to take into account the constant evaluation of the students through exercises and assessments to see if their grammatical comprehension and translation skills are progressively and adequately evolving.

Teacher Alejandra.

(Google image)