Krashen's article Post- S. Findlay

"We acquire language only when we understand messages."  This is a quote from Krashen's video.  This is a very powerful statement for me in regards to the students I teach.  All but 2 of my students are English language learners and most have ACCESS score between 3.0 and 4.0.  This article makes me reflect specifically on my grammar instruction.  I have, in the past, taught the grammar rule, practiced the rule, and then tested the rule.  Most often, completely out of a literary context.  According to Krashen, grammar should not be taught this way for ELs, or any other student for that matter, grammar should be taught in the context of reading and writing using comprehensible input.  One level above where they read or write independently.  Doing this, I believe, will dramatically increase my students understanding of the English language and therefore, allow them to more quickly develop their Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills.  I would like to try this out for the remainder of the year, and hopefully carry it into next years plans.