5 Tech Tools That Make Grammar Come Alive

After 10 years of teaching in Japan, I’ve learned that grammar doesn’t have to be dry or intimidating. For my students, grammar lessons work best when they’re interactive, scaffolded, and connected to the real world. Over time, I’ve found that the right tech tools can turn what feels like “rules and drills” into engaging activities where students actually enjoy practicing grammar.

Here are five tools that have changed the way I teach grammar—and that I think every teacher should try.

1. Padlet – Grammar Walls and Sentence Building

Padlet has been my go-to for collaborative grammar practice. I use it as a digital wall where students post their own example sentences after learning a grammar point. For example, when teaching conditional sentences, I ask students to share creative “If I…” sentences on Padlet. They love scrolling through each other’s posts, and it creates a visual bank of ideas we can analyze together.

2. Kahoot – Quizzes That Don’t Feel Like Tests

Grammar review can be tedious if it feels like a test. That’s why Kahoot is a game-changer. I create grammar quizzes with multiple-choice, true/false, or puzzle-style questions. Students compete in real time, but what matters is that they’re reinforcing rules and patterns while having fun. Even common trouble spots like subject-verb agreement suddenly become less stressful when framed as a game.

3. Canva – From Worksheets to Creative Grammar Projects

Canva isn’t just for posters—it’s brilliant for grammar projects. I’ve had students design infographics explaining a grammar point (like the difference between “a” and “the”) or create comic strips using target structures. These projects go beyond drilling; they push students to apply grammar in authentic, creative ways. And they love seeing their work look polished and professional.

4. Slido – Instant Grammar Checks and Polls

Slido helps me keep lessons interactive in real time. For instance, I might put two sentences on the screen and ask, “Which one is correct?” Students vote anonymously, and the live poll shows me who’s grasping the concept and who needs more support. It’s also a great way to spark peer discussion—students often explain their choices to each other, which deepens understanding.

5. YouTube – Real Grammar in Real Contexts

One of the best ways to make grammar meaningful is to show it in action. With YouTube, I bring in short clips—interviews, vlogs, even ads—that highlight a grammar structure we’re studying. For example, when teaching past tense, we might watch a short travel vlog and pick out verbs together. Students quickly see that grammar isn’t just classroom language—it’s what real people use every day.

Final Thoughts

Grammar can sometimes get a bad reputation as boring or overly technical. But with tools like Padlet, Kahoot, Canva, Slido, and YouTube, I’ve seen my students engage with grammar in ways that feel creative, collaborative, and fun.

After a decade of teaching in Japan, one thing is clear: grammar doesn’t have to be something students “endure.” With the right approach and the right tools, it becomes something they experience—and that makes all the difference!