I'm 100% with you with respect to translating nonsense English to nonsense
Greek and vice versa. I'm dealing with that one right now with a "little
Greek" who is struggling with that kind of thing in a course he is obligated
to complete. Ugh! Like you, of course, I see the value of getting students
into Greek texts early--even at the first lesson--and constantly thereafter.
My practice is to always present grammar in that context.
Thank you,
John Oaklands