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Grammar activities

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How to teach grammar

Scaffold labels describe the support built into an activity, not a fixed learner level.

4 min

Notice the Form in a Model

Show a model sentence from the current unit. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Colour-Code the Grammar

Use a short explanation with three target forms for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Sentence Surgery

Put a sentence with one grammar problem on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Build a Sentence from Cards

Model word cards showing a target pattern once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Grammar Gallery Walk

Show four examples showing one grammar feature. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Grammar Jigsaw

Use four short examples of the same structure for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Find the Tense Clue

Put a short report containing time markers on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Verb Form Relay

Model a set of base verbs and unit facts once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Notice Voice in a Process Description

Show two descriptions of the same process. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Join Ideas with Conjunctions

Use two short subject statements for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Relative Clause Add-On

Put a noun and a sentence with extra detail on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Preposition Map

Model a diagram needing location or movement phrases once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Article Choice Check

Show a short text with missing a, an or the. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Modal Verb Continuum

Use claims that need different levels of certainty for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Subject-Verb Agreement Check

Put a set of technical subject sentences on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Expand a Noun Group

Model a simple noun phrase and a subject image once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Grammar Auction

Show six sentences with a mix of accurate and inaccurate forms. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Sentence Combining

Use three short notes about one concept for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Question Form Builder

Put a subject fact learners want to ask about on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Reported Speech Switch

Model a short quote from a source or experiment once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Conditional Chain

Show a cause and a possible result. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Compare with -er and More

Use two measured objects or results for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Past or Present Perfect?

Put a brief report of completed work on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Clause Boundary Hunt

Model a paragraph with several clauses once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Punctuation for Meaning

Show a sentence where punctuation changes the reading. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Relative Pronoun Choice

Use two related ideas about a named object for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Build a Complex Sentence

Put a main clause and three subordinating conjunctions on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Grammar Dominoes

Model sentence halves that fit a target pattern once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Error Detective Pair Check

Show a short paragraph with three target errors. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Transform the Sentence

Use one statement to change into a question or negative for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Time Adverbial Sort

Put events from a process or historical account on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Passive Voice Process Cards

Model a practical method written as actions once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Use If to Predict

Show a scientific or mathematical condition. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Hedging for Cautious Claims

Use three claims with different evidence strength for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Preposition Collocation Match

Put verbs and prepositions from a unit text on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Make a Question from Data

Model a chart with values learners can ask about once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Sentence Frame Fade

Show a target form shown first with then without support. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Grammar in a Short Dialogue

Use a dialogue using the target structure for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Spot the Missing Auxiliary

Put questions with one helping verb removed on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Use Pronouns to Avoid Repetition

Model a short explanation with repeated nouns once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Noun, Verb or Adjective?

Show a set of word forms from one topic. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Clause Sorting

Use main and dependent clauses on separate cards for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Choose the Best Connector

Put two ideas and a set of linking words on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Punctuation Relay

Model a short unpunctuated method or explanation once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Grammar Mini-Whiteboard Check

Show one target structure from today’s lesson. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Model, Imitate, Adapt

Use a sentence pattern and a new subject example for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Tense Timeline

Learners place sentences on a timeline, then explain why each tense fits the subject meaning.

10 min

Grammar in a Caption

Model a diagram needing a precise caption once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Say It, Then Write It

Show a spoken sentence that uses today’s form. Learners notice the target form, mark it and say what job it does in the sentence.

6 min

Proofread for One Feature

Use a draft with one agreed grammar focus for one quick model. In pairs, learners try the same pattern with a fact from today’s subject lesson.

8 min

Grammar Choice and Reason

Put two forms that change emphasis on cards or the board. Learners sort or transform the examples, then explain the grammar choice.

10 min

Exit Ticket: One Accurate Sentence

Model one key idea from the lesson once, rehearse it together and ask learners to write one fresh example without the model.

4 min

Grammar Noticing from Two Models

Compare two accurate examples and identify the form that changes the meaning.

5 min

Sentence Combining Choices

Combine short statements in two different ways and discuss how the relationship changes.

6 min

Tense Choice Timeline

Place events on a timeline and choose a tense that shows their relationship to now or another event.

7 min

Grammar in a Mini-Text

Highlight one grammatical pattern across a short text before trying it in a new subject sentence.

8 min

Clause Building Blocks

Use clause cards to construct a complete sentence and test which clauses can stand alone.

9 min

Pronoun Reference Check

Trace each pronoun to its noun and revise any sentence where the reference is unclear.

4 min

Modal Scales: Certainty and Obligation

Place modal verbs on a certainty or obligation scale and justify the choice in context.

5 min

Preposition Scene

Arrange objects or labels, describe their relationships and compare the language used.

6 min

Punctuation Changes the Reading

Read each version aloud, mark the pause and explain how punctuation changes grouping or emphasis.

7 min

Question Form from an Answer

Start from a subject answer and construct the question that would elicit it.

8 min

Noun Group Zoom

Expand a noun with classifiers and detail, then decide what information is essential.

9 min

Conjunction Meaning Sort

Sort conjunctions by the relationships they express, then apply them to subject ideas.

4 min

Active-Passive Meaning Match

Match active and passive sentences to contexts where agency matters or the process matters.

5 min

Relative Clause Information Add

Add a relative clause to identify or add detail, then check whether commas are needed.

6 min

Conditional What-If Chain

Change one condition in a statement and build a grammatical prediction from the new case.

7 min

Grammar Auction: Meaning Matters

Bid on sentences only after checking both grammatical accuracy and intended meaning.

8 min

Word Class in Context

Sort a word by how it functions in a real sentence, not by its spelling alone.

9 min

Edit One Feature, Keep the Meaning

Revise a short paragraph for one target feature and verify that the subject meaning remains accurate.

5 min

Notice the Pattern

Read examples, circle the repeated form and underline what changes. Describe the pattern before naming the rule.

9 min

Active or Passive?

Identify who acts and what receives the action. Decide which version fits the focus of a report or explanation.

11 min

Join the Cause

Learners join sentences with because, so or although and explain the relationship each creates.

13 min

Expand with a Relative Clause

Learners add a relative clause to identify or describe a noun without losing the main idea.

5 min

Modal Meaning Scale

Learners place modal verbs on a certainty scale and choose one that matches the evidence.

7 min

Article Sort

Learners group noun phrases by a, an, the or no article, then explain what each choice signals.

9 min

Word Order Cards

Learners rearrange sentence cards, test which versions are grammatical and explain how emphasis changes.

11 min

Pronoun or Repeat?

Learners decide when to repeat a key noun and when a pronoun is clear enough.

13 min

Punctuation Changes the Logic

Learners test punctuation choices and read how pauses or boundaries change the meaning.

5 min

Choose the Connector

Choose because, although, so or while to join clauses. Explain how the connector changes their relationship.

7 min

Grammar Repair Clinic

Pairs find and correct one recurring grammatical pattern, then explain the correction.

5 min

Meaning Shift Pairs

Compare two sentences that differ in tense, voice or modal. Explain what meaning or emphasis changes.

8 min

Verb Time Line

Place events on a timeline, then choose verb forms that show when each event happens in relation to the others.

7 min

Modal Strength Scale

Place may, might, can, should and must on a confidence or obligation scale. Choose one for a claim and justify it.

8 min

Relative Clause Builder

Combine a noun and extra detail with a relative clause. Check that the clause clearly refers to the intended noun.

5 min

Article Choice Detective

Highlight noun phrases and explain whether each is new, specific or general. Revise one article choice with a partner.

7 min

Adverb Placement Test

Move an adverb to different positions. Read each version and discuss which word or action receives emphasis.

8 min

Pronoun Agreement Check

Draw links between pronouns and their nouns. Revise any sentence where number or reference is unclear.

5 min

Question Form Sort

Sort questions into open, closed and follow-up forms. Change one closed question so it invites explanation.

7 min

Clause or Phrase?

Mark each group as a complete clause or a phrase. Add a subject or verb where needed to make a complete sentence.

8 min

Comparative Form Workshop

Choose a comparative or superlative form and write a sentence that compares the examples precisely.

5 min

Noun Group Expansion

Expand a noun with one precise adjective, classifier or prepositional phrase. Remove any detail that adds no useful meaning.

7 min

Conditional Consequence

Match a condition with a plausible result, then choose a tense that fits a real or imagined situation.

8 min

Fix the Fragment

Identify the missing subject, verb or complete thought. Repair each fragment in a way that keeps the intended subject meaning.

7 min

Grammar Choice Exit Ticket

Write one sentence using the target form, underline it and explain what meaning the form adds.

8 min · new

If and Unless in Context

Express and test a condition precisely.

8 min · new

Check the Scope of Not

Locate what a negative actually excludes.

8 min · new

Repair an Unclear Reference

Make pronoun links unambiguous.

8 min · new

Passive Voice for Process Focus

Choose active or passive voice for a meaningful purpose.

8 min · source-linked

Calibrate May and Must in an Inference

Match a modal choice to the strength of available evidence.

8 min · source-linked

Express a Testable Conditional

Use if to connect a proposed condition to a prediction.

8 min · source-linked

Repair a Comparative with a Criterion

Make the basis of comparison explicit.

8 min · source-linked

Notice the Meaning of a Passive Omission

Decide whether removing the actor loses important evidence.

8 min · new activity
Focus: Contrast and clause linkingScaffold: More scaffold

Build a Contrast with Although

Join two accurate facts with although, place the clauses in either order and explain how the linker sets up an expectation.

8 min · new activity
Focus: Cause and cautious languageScaffold: Some scaffold

Show Cause without Overclaiming

Use because or may be related to according to what the evidence supports; distinguish an observed pattern from a proven cause.

8 min · new activity
Focus: Tense and time referenceScaffold: More scaffold

Choose Tense from Context

Select tense forms using time markers and the status of each idea, then explain why a historical event and a current interpretation use different forms.

8 min · new activity
Focus: Noun-group expansionScaffold: Some scaffold

Make the Noun Group Precise

Expand a noun group with only the details needed to identify the material, measure or condition; keep the head noun easy to find.

8 min · new activity
Focus: Clause boundaries and punctuationScaffold: Less scaffold

Punctuate an Embedded Clause

Decide whether a relative clause identifies a noun or adds extra information, then punctuate the sentence to make that relationship clear.

8 min · new activity
Focus: Voice, agency and purposeScaffold: Some scaffold

Choose Active or Passive

Compare active and passive versions, identify who performs the action and choose the form that suits the reader and purpose.