As amatter of fact we learned to speak our own native language" Arabic" without studying:
· boring textbooks
· useless vocabulary lists
· or crazy grammar rules
Also we learned our native language by listening to real conversations and real people talking
So you- as a teacher - should use the same approach with teaching the English as a language.
Have your SS Listen to real conversations and the Real English that is used in everyday life.
Teach the slang and idioms that native speakers use every day.
Teach English the way you learned your native language as a child.
Soon, your SS will be thinking in English and speaking English naturally.