Which grammar resources align with natural acquisition principles
Grammar resources that align with natural acquisition principles primarily follow the “Natural Approach” to language learning, developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell. This approach emphasizes communication and comprehension through meaningful, stress-free exposure to language input rather than explicit grammar instruction or rule memorization. Key features include:
- Focus on communication over conscious grammar study and explicit correction.
- Allowing language output to emerge spontaneously after exposure to comprehensible input.
- Prioritizing vocabulary learning and contextual understanding rather than drilling grammar rules.
- Using low-anxiety, motivating learning environments and real-life communicative situations.
- Following natural stages of language acquisition: comprehension, early speech, and speech emergence.
- Grammar learning happens implicitly as part of understanding and using language naturally rather than by explicit teaching.
Resources and methods aligned with these principles often provide lots of comprehensible input, use meaningful context, and minimize forced grammar practice or correction. They foster implicit knowledge and fluency through exposure and use rather than memorizing rules. 1, 2, 3
Additional grammar teaching methods that incorporate natural acquisition ideas include implicit grammar teaching within communicative or task-based approaches, where grammar emerges from context-based language use instead of isolated exercises. 4
In sum, resources and methods that align with natural acquisition principles are those that prioritize meaning, communication, and comprehensible input over explicit grammar instruction, integrating grammar learning naturally and implicitly through authentic language exposure and use.