The article discusses the features of methods of teaching the history of language in a foreign language classroom. With regard to the increase of the number of applicants who enroll in Russian universities directly on the basis of secondary education, bypassing the preparatory faculties, which arises the problem of an insufficiently prepared group of learners, in which the disciplines related to the study of the history of the language are taught. Accordingly, the teacher has to solve the problem by revising the methodological approaches to the teaching of the discipline. In particular, it is necessary to vary the volume and content of the educational material, implement the principle of communicativeness in teaching, and use interactive ways to enhance the activities of the students. In fact, the courses become less academic and more oriented towards the practical application of acquired knowledge by the students in order to improve their own knowledge in the field of Russian grammar. We offer our view on the construction of courses "Old Slavonic language" and "Historical grammar of the Russian language" in a foreign audience, methods and ways to ensure the principle of continuity and the actualization of the knowledge gained when studying subsequent courses. The article discusses the types of assignments, by fulfilling which students reinforce their knowledge and skills. The work with foreign students, in the classes of the Old Slavonic language and historical grammar of the Russian language, is focused on creating in the students a positive attitude towards the Russian language and Russian culture.