Great! The simple tenses and the progressive tenses are very easy to explain and its usually where the understanding stops for most students that just play games. The other six verb tenses are also important and need a better understanding than just games. However, for kids, you cant go beyond that level.

No one is being anal retentive or pedantic when it comes to correct English. Yes, colloquial English is important, accent is important and above all, communication is important. Im not sure what the resistance is to T.A.Os assertion.

I think I was pretty clear when I said that none of these techniques are new: theyve been around a lot longer than we have. Im saying that a good teacher MUST introduce theory and practice. Thats how we really learn things on a solid foundation.

Im not arguing for any one system; rather, I find it amusing that people want to teach algebra without knowing why we use arithmetic. My point is why is as important as how.

Now, I think weve beaten that horse to death....you can even see the marks inflicted by those keen ESL teachers from the hallowed halls of modern education.