Teaching English grammar to beginners can feel like a big challenge. Many new teachers ask the same question: Where do I start? Others worry about making lessons simple, clear, and engaging. Beginners often come to class with very little knowledge. Some may know a few words. Others may not know any English at all.
The role of the teacher is to give structure and confidence. Beginners need small steps. They need easy explanations. They also need practice in real-life situations. Grammar is not just about rules. Grammar gives learners the tools to build sentences and express ideas. Without grammar, students can only use single words. With grammar, they can communicate.
This guide will help you understand how to begin. You will learn how to introduce grammar topics in a simple way. You will also see a step-by-step lesson plan you can use in class. Each lesson focuses on one clear goal. Every example is easy to understand.
We will also explore common beginner problems and how to solve them. You will see practical activities you can try. You will learn how to assess progress without making students nervous. And finally, you will discover how to grow as a teacher and keep improving.
Who Is a “Beginner”?
Before planning lessons, it’s important to know what “beginner” means.
Absolute beginners (A0–A1): Little to no English knowledge. They may only know a few words.
Goals for beginners:
Make simple sentences (e.g., I am a student).
Ask and answer basic questions.
Talk about daily routines and immediate surroundings.
Focus on useful communication rather than memorizing long grammar rules.
Teaching Principles for Beginners
Here are some principles to guide your teaching:
Keep it simple: Use short explanations, examples, and visuals.
Teach step by step: Move from easy to slightly harder topics.
Focus on communication: Students should use grammar in real sentences, not just study rules.
Repeat often: Beginners need plenty of practice and review.
Quick method to follow:
Present → Practice → Produce (PPP)
Present the rule with examples.
Practice through controlled exercises.
Produce language in speaking or writing.
Step-by-Step Starter Curriculum (8 Lessons)
Here’s a sample 8-lesson sequence you can follow.
1. Lesson 1 — Subject + Verb + Object (simple sentences)
Example: I like apples.
Practice: Gap-fill, matching subjects with verbs.
Activity: Students say 3 things they like.
2. Lesson 2 — Pronouns & “to be” (affirmative)
Example: She is my friend.
Example: I have a book. The book is red.
3. Lesson 3 — Articles: a / an / the
Example: I have a book. The book is red.
4. Lesson 4 — Present Simple (routines, third person -s)
Example1: He works in a bank.
- Example2: Khan is a school teacher
5. Lesson 5 — Present Continuous (actions now)
Example1: I am studying English.
- Example2: We are going to London today.
Give present continuous quiz test for improving your tense skills.
6. Lesson 6 — Question Forms (Yes/No + WH questions)
Example: Do you like pizza? Where do you live?
- Example2: Are you making chicken fry?
7. Lesson 7 — Prepositions of Place & Time
Example: The book is on the table.
8. Lesson 8 — Revision + Speaking Test
Review all grammar points.
Simple speaking test to check progress.
Try to give prepositions quiz for improving your grammar skills.
Essential Grammar Topics for Beginners (Cheat Sheet)
Beginners don’t need all grammar at once. Start with the basics.
Parts of speech: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, article, preposition.
Sentence structure: Subject + Verb (+ Object).
Verb tenses: Present Simple, Present Continuous.
Articles: a / an / the.
Questions: Yes/No questions, WH-questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why).
Practical Teaching Methods & Activities
Total Physical Response (TPR): Students act out commands (Stand up, Sit down, Walk to the door).
Drills: Repeat short sentences together.
Sentence scramble: Mix up words, let students reorder them.
Role-play: Students practice dialogues (At a café, At the store).
Tip: Always end lessons with a short activity where students use grammar in conversation.
Sample 45-Minute Lesson Plan (Present Simple)
Warm-up (5 min): Ask students about their daily routine.
Presentation (10 min): Write I play football / He plays football on the board.
Practice (15 min): Fill-in-the-blank worksheet.
Production (10 min): Students interview each other: “What do you do every morning?”
Review (5 min): Quick recap and error correction.
Assessing Student Progress
You don’t need complicated exams at the beginner level. Use simple methods:
Exit tickets: One question at the end of class.
Mini quizzes: 5–10 questions after a topic.
Speaking checklist: Mark fluency, accuracy, and vocabulary use.
Track weekly goals: “This week I can ask 3 questions correctly.”
Common Beginner Problems (and Solutions)
Mixing up articles (a / the): Use visuals. Show two apples: This is an apple. The apple is red.
Struggling with -s in Present Simple: Drill with flashcards: He plays / She works / It rains.
Word order errors: Use sentence-building cards to practice.
How to Become a Good English Teacher
Grammar knowledge is important. But being a good English teacher takes much more than knowing the rules. Beginners need guidance, encouragement, and motivation. To succeed, you must combine subject knowledge with strong teaching skills.
Here are the qualities and habits that make a good English teacher:
1. Be Patient
Beginners learn slowly.
They may repeat the same mistakes many times.
Do not rush them.
Give extra time for practice and review.
Celebrate small progress.
2. Be Creative
Use games, songs, and simple stories to make grammar fun.
Add visuals like flashcards and pictures.
Create real-life situations such as shopping role plays or daily routine talks.
Creativity makes lessons memorable.
3. Be Clear and Simple
Avoid long explanations.
Use short sentences and easy words.
Show examples before giving rules.
Write clearly on the board.
Check if students understand before moving forward.
4. Keep Learning Yourself
A good teacher never stops learning.
Observe other teachers.
Read teaching blogs and grammar books.
Join teacher groups online.
Take short training courses to improve your skills.
5. Show Empathy
Remember how difficult it feels to learn a new language.
Encourage shy students.
Correct mistakes gently.
Build a safe classroom where students feel comfortable speaking.
6. Manage the Classroom Well
Set clear rules from the first lesson.
Keep lessons organized with a plan.
Balance speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Give equal attention to every student.
7. Inspire Confidence
Tell students they can succeed.
Motivate them with real-life examples.
Praise effort, not just correct answers.
Confidence often matters more than perfect grammar.
Resources & Materials
Worksheets: Print simple fill-in-the-blank tasks.
Cheat sheets: Basic grammar notes for beginners.
Flashcards: For vocabulary + grammar drills.
Apps & online tools: Quizlet, Kahoot, or Google Slides for practice.
Best App to Learn English Grammar for Free
Learning English grammar doesn’t have to cost you money. Today, there are many free apps designed to help learners understand grammar rules, improve sentence structure, and practice daily exercises. Whether you’re a beginner starting with basic English grammar notes or someone who wants to polish advanced skills, the right app can make learning fun and effective.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best free apps to learn English grammar, their features, and how they can help you improve step by step.
1. Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most popular apps for learning English. It focuses on short, interactive lessons that make grammar easy to understand.
Key Features: Bite-sized lessons, gamified quizzes, and progress tracking.
Why It’s Good for Grammar: Beginners can practice sentence structure, verb usage, and vocabulary while playing.
Best For: Learners who enjoy learning through fun challenges.
2. Hello English
Hello English is designed especially for non-native speakers. It covers grammar rules along with reading, writing, and speaking.
Key Features: Grammar lessons, vocabulary builder, and daily practice tasks.
Why It’s Good for Grammar: Beginners get step-by-step English grammar explanations with real examples.
Best For: Learners who want a complete English learning app with grammar as a strong foundation.
3. Grammarly Keyboard
Grammarly is more than just a correction tool. Its mobile keyboard helps you learn grammar while typing in real life.
Key Features: Grammar suggestions, explanations of mistakes, and vocabulary tips.
Why It’s Good for Grammar: You don’t just get corrections—you also learn why something is wrong.
Best For: Learners who want to improve grammar while writing emails, texts, or notes in English.
4. BBC Learning English
This app provides high-quality grammar lessons straight from experts.
Key Features: Grammar videos, practice exercises, and English news lessons.
Why It’s Good for Grammar: Beginners can focus on both rules and real-world usage.
Best For: Learners who want clear explanations from a trusted source.
5. Learn English Grammar (by British Council)
This app is created by the British Council and is widely recommended for grammar learning.
Key Features: Thousands of grammar questions, beginner to advanced levels, and structured lessons.
Why It’s Good for Grammar: Learners get step-by-step practice with immediate feedback.
Best For: Serious learners who want structured grammar exercises for free.
6. LingQ
LingQ uses reading and listening practice to teach grammar naturally.
Key Features: Interactive reading tools, grammar highlights, and vocabulary review.
Why It’s Good for Grammar: Learners see grammar in real context, which helps with long-term understanding.
Best For: Learners who prefer learning through real-life content instead of drills.
FAQs
1. How do I start teaching English grammar to beginners?
Start with simple sentences and useful patterns. Use examples, practice, and conversation from day one.
2. What grammar should beginners learn first?
Pronouns, “to be,” present simple, articles, and basic questions.
3. How long until beginners can speak basic sentences?
With regular practice, most beginners can form simple sentences within 4–8 weeks.
4. Is it better to teach rules or practice?
Practice is key. Explain the rule simply, then let students use it.
5. How do I make grammar lessons interesting?
Add games, role plays, and real-life examples to keep students engaged.
Conclusion
Teaching English grammar to beginners is a journey. It does not happen overnight. Progress takes time, patience, and practice. Every lesson builds on the last. Every activity helps students move one step closer to real communication.
Start small. Begin with simple sentences. Add pronouns, verbs, and articles. Then move to questions, tenses, and prepositions. Always check understanding before you move on. Review often. Give students many chances to practice.
Remember that grammar is not only about rules. It is about meaning. It is about helping learners express themselves. Keep lessons practical. Use games, role plays, and real-life examples. The more students use the language, the faster they will learn.
Your job as a teacher is not just to explain grammar. Your job is to inspire confidence. A good teacher makes students feel comfortable. A good teacher celebrates small successes. A good teacher knows that mistakes are part of learning.