Teaching Lexically

In our first methodology book, Teaching Lexically, we’ve tried to show what a lexical view of language looks like and we explore how it differs from a more traditional grammar + words view. We then consider what implications a lexical approach to language might have for the classroom. At the heart of the book are three main ideas:

• Grammar and vocabulary are both taught better in combination.
• Context is absolutely central.
• Classrooms need to be input-rich, and the input needs to be useful.

Teaching Lexically contains three distinctive parts which focus in turn on theory, practice and development.

Part A provides a detailed exploration of the core ideas behind lexical teaching. We begin with the principles that explain how and why people learn, before presenting two competing views of language – grammar + words (and skills) and a lexical view. We close with an in-depth exploration of how language looks when seen from a lexical perspective.

Part B contains a bank of activities that put into practice the particular principles related to such areas of teaching as vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, and so on. These activities are designed to be applied to any classroom material, and to help teachers build up their own repertoire of lexically-rooted techniques.

Part C addresses some of the issues and implications involved in where and how lexical teaching may be applied. It also considers how teacher training and development can become more lexically-oriented. Finally, we explore ways to develop as a lexical materials writer.

Teaching Lexically is one of the best-selling books in Delta Publishing’s multi-award winning Teacher Development series, and was nominated for a British Council ELTON Innovation Award in 2018. The book is distributed globally via Klett. You can see details here or contact us directly to find out who your local supplier is.