The paper describes the life path of the prominent scholar Pyotr Onisimovich Afanasyev. P. O. Afanasyev developed a methodology for teaching the native language in elementary school originated by F. I. Buslaev and K. D. Ushinsky. In his works, he also gave a detailed description of the basic concepts of methodology as a science froma historical perspective. The scientist designed a course in Russian language teaching methodology for vocational and higher educational institutions, prepared textbooks and study aids of various types which have gone through many editions.P. O. Afanasyev contributed enormously to training teachers taking professional development courses. The paper presents the methodologist’s main works and outlines his pedagogical views and ideas. Among these ideas are adopt ingthe activity approach to learning, using active forms of class organisation, paying attention to students’ oral speech development, and increasing students’ general cultural level through teaching Russian. The study focuses on the issues of students’ speech culture and speaking skills enhancement, which are reflected in almost all methodological writings of P. O. Afanasyev. The article also provides examples of specific assignments and best practices. The research relied on the analysis of scientific, teaching and learning, reference, and popular science materials, as well as the search and descriptive methods. The article concludes that P. O. Afanasyev contributed significantly to the development of Russian language teaching methodology in primary and secondary school. He also promoted the development of the system ofteaching the Russian language to non-Russian students. The paper highlights the enduring value of the scientist’s ideas, his approaches to teaching Russian. Many of them remain in demand under modern conditions as well.