Recommended Grammar Texts

Dawn Parres · #1 6th June 2009, 06:32

I am looking for some ESL grammar books that are user-friendly for new teachers - I was thinking of Azar or some of the grammar references for students that explain the grammar with charts and time-lines. Anyone have any good ones to share?

Phoebe Lyon, Transworld · #2 30th June 2009, 22:35

The Azar series is popular and has wonderful grammar charts. But bottom line, it all comes down to personal taste. I really like the Focus on Grammar series. It has now been split in to a five-level series, has an interactive CD-ROM that goes along with it, and the grammar charts and explanations seem to work well for teachers and students alike. I am also a fan of the newer series Grammar Sense. It is a four-level series that also has an interactive CD-ROM. Additionally, there is fantastic test making program that makes making tests a breeze. If you work at a school, I suggest contacting (or having someone there contacting) your local publisher reps (Longman, Heinle/Thomson, Oxford) and getting someone to come out and tell you more about books. That way you often get the teachers books and other teaching materials thrown in as part of a package if you decide to adopt a certain book or series.

batty1212 · #3 24th July 2009, 07:08

Will publishers send representatives out to schools in order to do on-site training for staff? I would be most interesting in investing in a grammar book series to pivot our grammar syllabus on, but I want to make sure I am getting a good value that my teachers will be able to use effectively.

Ceri Rich-Odeh · #4 25th July 2009, 03:52

In my experience, ESL textbook publishers are very willing to send their representives to your school to discuss their books with you and your teachers, they will also send you inspection copies of texts you are considering adopting. Contact your area or country representative and tell him/her which books you would like to review. Some publishers will also provide inspection copies to teachers to pilot on their classes.

Phoebe Lyon, Transworld · #5 22nd March 2010, 22:46

We have had publishers come out to our school and do a workshop with our teachers when we have adopted a new series. It is a great way to get all of the staff on the same page and do a once over with the materials as a group.

wendykins · #6 22nd July 2010, 18:29

I am starting an ESL school in NY, and was curious if anyone at ESL FOCUS could comment on what Grammar texts are used and or preferred by foreign students?

Is there a publishing house that has a corner on any particular market? Like, Focus on Grammar dominating ESL teaching in Japan?

Also, I was thinking about this question in relation to what to offer to ESL students coming to NY. If a series like AZAR dominates the EFL field in a certain location, would students coming from that place be more likely to enjoy a different textbook, to get variety and difference, or would they be more into something recognizable and therefore more comfortable?

I think I am going to go start with the Focus on Grammar series for my intensive grammar classes.

EarlyRiser · #7 4th September 2010, 02:14

Great input on this posting overall, thanks contributors!

In addition to the texts mentioned above, I was wondering if anyone with experience with usage could recommend a good textbook for grammar activities. Something that uses every day grammar forms, reviews functions, and then has the students involved with some sort of speaking activity. Game-like speaking activities with a grammar tie are also good. Just seeing if there are any recommendations from experts out there!

Thanks.