Teaching Assistants

Gamifying Grammar for TAs: Engaging the Reluctant Learner

Ever wondered how grammar practice could be something your pupils actually look forward to? ‘Gamifying Grammar for TAs: Engaging the Reluctant Learner’ shows you how to transform spelling, punctuation and grammar into active, fun and purposeful learning experiences. Through short, high-impact games, movement-based activities and multisensory challenges, you’ll learn to boost engagement, strengthen recall and embed skills in ways that link directly to the national curriculum. You’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies, practical resources and confidence to run motivating sessions that make grammar stick – without adding pressure or extra workload.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania, Ruth Wallwork & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

develop a repertoire of active, game-based spelling and grammar (SPaG) strategies that make repetitive practice enjoyable, purposeful and suitable for short, high-impact ‘Grammar Challenge’ sessions and booster groups;
use outdoor learning, movement and multisensory approaches to strengthen spelling, punctuation and grammar recall, including the effective use of tactile and physical resources to support kinaesthetic and reluctant learners;
apply core principles of gamification – such as points, levels, challenges and leaderboards – to increase motivation, participation and sustained engagement without creating unnecessary pressure;
design fast-paced, motivating practice routines that build fluency and confidence in SPaG while maintaining clear learning focus and measurable outcomes;
align engaging, game-based activities with curriculum expectations and assessment goals, ensuring that enjoyment, rigour and progression work hand in hand.

Course Lessons

Course Lessons

Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania 

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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader, while working across key stage 1 and 2 (mainly based in years 2 and 6). Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Primary Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.

From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Yiotina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a Twinkl CPD Content Writer and Editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful courses that continue to support educators and learners.

Presented by: Ruth Wallwork

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Ruth is a Video Content Creator on the CPD team at Twinkl. She is an experienced primary teacher, having taught across both key stage one and key stage two. Ruth has worked as part of a music partnership, delivering high quality music lessons in a range of educational settings, including SEND and secondary schools. Ruth has also held leadership roles, including Head of Primary Music. She holds a degree in Music and Musical Theatre, a PGCE in Primary Education, and is currently working towards a qualification in Primary Music Leadership.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.