English Grammar Workbook for Beginners

As a school teacher of English for nearly three decades, I’ve
discovered that using images to explain concepts is far more
effective than relying solely on text. This realization has led to
the creation of a visual system designed to clarify five grammar
tenses and some fundamental rules.
Every rule is intended to be thoroughly practiced, hence a series
of similar exercises follows the explanation of each rule.
However, it is important to note that this is merely a guideline
for tutors. The exercises can be expanded according to the
needs of the students.
The presentations of the rules adhere to a consistent scheme.
Primarily, students engage in matching and filling-in exercises. It
is assumed that beginners are already familiar with basic
reading rules and elementary vocabulary (for which I also have a
program).
Each amusing image is crafted to foster positive associations
with the rules. These illustrated patterns will later help students
easily recall the rules they have learned. Some motion verbs
needed for explaining the rules are introduced through pictures
of moving figures.
The basic existential verb “TO BE” is personified by a
three-headed DRAGON. Its three heads, AM, IS, and ARE,
represent the present tenses, while its two feet, WAS and WERE,
symbolize the past tenses. The dragon’s tail, WILL BE, stretches
into the future tenses. This friendly creature, with its five parts
representing five grammatical meanings, seems strong enough
to form questions and negatives on its own, without additional
assistance.
The mechanism of forming questions is depicted with the leaps
of the verb “TO BE” or later auxiliaries DO and DOES. If it takes a
step down to the left, its movement mimics the shape of a
question mark. The concept of negation is illustrated by
raindrops NO and NOT, falling from a cloud above the verbs.
In my program for beginners, only five grammar tenses are
presented, each illustrated by a different image. The Present
Simple tense is represented by a letter S as a BEE, flying from a
noun to a verb, altering patterns of singular and plural. Each
auxiliary verb for Present Simple is depicted as a flying
BUTTERFLY, with wings represented by DO and DOES.
English Grammar Workbook for Beginners by Anna Kivva • annakivva.dini.ee
The Past Simple tense is illustrated by SNOWMEN. Snowmen
made of one snowball represent regular verbs with ED-endings
on their scarves, while snowmen made of two snowballs
represent irregular verbs. The auxiliary for the Past Simple tense
is shown as a CATERPILLAR labeled DID, the next stage of the
aforementioned BUTTERFLY of the Present Simple tense.
The Present Continuous tense is depicted with the help of a
flying AIRPLANE, signifying a brief moment of visibility. It
features a triple AM-IS-ARE propeller, the letters of the verbs in
its windows, and an ING tail.
The Future Simple tense is comprised of the dragon’s tail WILL
followed by the verb BE or other verbs.
The Present Perfect tense is illustrated by CHRISTMAS BOOTS
with HAVE and HAS on them, accompanied by irregular and
regular verbs as snowmen.
All grammar rules showcased in the program are practiced
within the same framework of exercises: general questions,
negatives, and special questions. Exercises involving special
questions, referred to as “stair questions,” demonstrate that
special questions encompass general ones.
Clearly illustrating the structure of the sentence facilitates the
assimilation and application of the rule.
At the end of each grammar tense section, there are exercises
focused on constructing sentences from given words. These
words can be visualized as balls hanging on a Christmas tree,
ready to be taken down, or as sparks between two power lines.
I hope this program proves to be as beneficial for your teaching
practice as it has been for mine.
I thank talented Dmitri Nikolajev, who put my ideas into life, for
long-lasting collaboration. I express my sincere gratitude to my
students who tested the program and to my colleagues who
accepted my images for their grammar explanations. I would
also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Tallinn High School of
Humanities for their unwavering support over the years.
English Grammar Workbook for Beginners