1/27/02
Question 144
Dear Preschool
Teacher,
My son just turned four and has not
started preschool yet. He is having a few problems with his
grammar. My husband and I both use good grammar, so I don't
believe that he has picked this up at home. Is this at all
normal for his age? and how can I help to correct this problem?
I correct him when he speaks incorrectly, but this hasn't helped as of
yet.
Thanks.
Grammar's Got Me
Dear Grammar's Got Me,
You did not specifically state what the
grammar errors were, but it is normal for many preschoolers to have
language problems. Some are serious, but most are
developmental. Language develops in stages like all other areas
of child development. Some sounds are naturally corrected as the
child ages. If it is using the incorrect pronoun such as him for
he, then this will change as they get older. Just keep using the
correct grammar at home and he will catch on eventually. Also,
don't make a big deal out of it or he may become self-conscious about
talking and stop speaking except for when he is with you. Just
repeat his sentence with the correct word and let it go. He will
catch on.
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher
Staff"
Dear Grammar's Got Me,
It is not unusual for children use
incorrect grammar at this age. They will also hear incorrect grammar
from their peers and sometimes this will cause bad habits. This will
come with time and continued learning about reading and language.
I was taught that the correct way to correct
their speech is to repeat the word or sentence back to them the
correct way without drawing attention to the fact that they spoke
incorrectly. If you keep telling the child that he/she is speaking
incorrectly, they will become self-conscious about it and become
hesitant about talking.
Peg
"Ask The Preschool Teacher
Staff"
