The introduction dealt with how methods of teaching foreign language have evolved overtime and how there has been a shift of emphasis from grammar to communication. The authors stress that communication will be the organizing principle of this book. They then give us key concepts of how K-8 learners learn languages best, and the standards for foreign language learning which are based on the 5 Cs: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities.
I personally have a difficult time grasping the idea of a foreign language classroom that is not organized around learning grammar. I agree that communication should be the most imporant aspect(as that is what learning a new language is for---to be able to communicate with speakers of that language) but my high school french classes focused a lot on grammar and grammar tests.
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I know the grammar structured classroom is what most people have experienced, and for some people it worked. They could carry on a conversation. For most people, however, it just didn't work. As you go along, you'll meet people who are quick to say " I had four years of spanish in high school and I can't talk to the gardener."
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