Grammar for Kids

From LoveToKnow Kids

Correct grammar for kids doesn't just happen. Instilling good grammar skills in children can begin even before kids learn to talk!

Introducing Grammar for Kids

It's very natural to talk "baby talk" to infants and toddlers. In fact, speaking to a child in this manner is an essential part of interacting with a child. As children grow, however, their vocabulary expands. While it's often cute to hear a small child mispronounce a word or use the wrong verb tense, it isn't so charming once a child progresses past kindergarten or first grade.

Have you paid attention to the grammar that is used in the world around you? If not, it's time that you did because what you hear is also what your child hears. While you may recognize that a sales clerk, mail carrier, or neighbor is using incorrect grammar, your child may simply conclude that the grammar he hears every day is perfectly acceptable. How do you change that? You must start teaching correct grammar for kids at a very young age.

Language Origins

Unfortunately, many adults just don't realize how badly they butcher the English language. Specific incorrect phrases often become commonplace, especially in certain areas of the country. While the South uses the word "ya'll", the North may have a different phrase. A form of language referred to as Ebonics gained some notoriety a few years ago. Ebonics refers to a form of African American dialect, and linguists argued over whether or not this dialect should be recognized as a true language. The term is still debatable today.

People often argue that their individual use, or "misuse", of the English language is actually correct if used in their own particular culture. While this form of dialect may truly be acceptable in certain settings, it is not considered correct grammar if it does not follow the rules and guidelines dictated by Standard American English, which is considered the communal language of educated professionals. Standard American English (or SAE as it is often referred to) is easily understood by persons from all geographical regions, different educational backgrounds, and different ethnic and racial associations, according to the Department of Communication Disorders at Auburn University.

Why Good Grammar is Important

So, why is good grammar for kids so important? As kids progress through their academic careers, they will hopefully gain many skills that will enable them to one day live independently. While of course not everyone will attend college, most people will hopefully be employed. The workforce is highly competitive in almost any field, and while education and experience play an important role in gaining a job and progressing in a career, presentation of self is also important. Preparing kids for the role of professional begins at a very young age, and good grammar is an essential part of this preparation.

Daily Lessons

One of the easiest and most successful ways of ensuring your kids learn good grammar skills is to be an example in how you speak and write. If you use good grammar and emphasize the use of correct grammar to your kids, then they will have a jump start in language skills and comprehension before they are even enrolled in school.

Model good language every day in your home and anywhere else you go.
Correct your child's grammar. Even toddlers can learn the difference between "I seen" and "I saw", and it will only take a moment to make this correction.
If your kids complain that other adults use incorrect words or phrases, talk to them about what they hear or see. Explain that not everyone uses correct grammar. Point out to your child that while he may hear words or phrases misused, he should make every effort to speak correctly.

The benefits of teaching a child proper grammar are many: