Grammar Teaching

Grammar Teaching: Why What When How

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 ego.

In this concise booklet, Dr Brien Masters, with his life-time’s experience of teaching, teacher training and teacher education, presents the rationale behind Waldorf grammar teaching. En route, he constantly spills over into practical examples for the teacher to follow, or to use as a springboard for his/her own creativity.

Impelled by such an approach, and taught in a lively fashion, the less-than 28-days grammar main-lesson (should that be what it boils down to) can then comet its way through the main-lessons and extra main-lessons that make up the enticing constellation of each year. Not only that, it will have important implications for foreign language teaching and for the foundations of literacy on which work in the Upper School can be securely built.

About the Author

Brien Masters, Ph.D., was qualified as both a state and a Waldorf teacher and taught everything from music to math to map reading. He taught around the world and acted as a consultant to government ministries. He wrote numerous articles and several publications for use in schools. His doctoral thesis is a critical appraisal of Waldorf praxis in the light of Rudolf Steiner’s original educational ideas. Brien Masters was director of the London Waldorf Teacher Training Seminar, as well as a seminar in Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands. He died in October 2013.