Grammar Teaching Why, What, When, How by Brien Masters

It would be rare if a class teacher within a  Waldorf school allotted the full, 28-day main-lesson rhythm to the  teaching of grammar, in any one class in the Lower School. The 'family'  of main-lessons each year, other than grammar of the mother tongue,  clamors to claim the precious time available and is so colorfully  attractive that, by comparison, it can make grammar appear like a  so-called country cousin: manners a bit gauche, dress decidedly out of  fashion and the spectrum of conversation rather limited. Looked at from  Rudolf Steiner's standpoint of child development, however, that country  cousin has some of the family's noblest blood to offer the incarnating  Self. In this concise booklet, Dr Brien Masters, with his  lifetime's experience of teaching, teacher training, and teacher  education, presents the rationale behind Waldorf grammar teaching. Along  the way, he offers numerous practical examples for teachers to follow  or use as springboards for their own creativity. Impelled by such  an approach and taught in a lively fashion, the nearly month-long  grammar main lesson can then make its way through the main lessons and  extra main lessons that make up the enticing constellation of each year.  Moreover, it will have important implications for foreign language  teaching and for the foundations of literacy, on which work in the upper  grades can be securely built. ISBN:       9780956412638