Grammar includes classes of words, their forms, and functions. It refers to using the correct word forms in sentences.
Syntax is the arrangement of words and how they are put together for a specific meaning. These include using prepositions, nouns, pronouns and verbs together.
Children who have difficulty with grammar often:
- Use words in the wrong order
- Use pronouns incorrectly (may identify self as 'she', 'her', or 'me' when 'I' is correct).
- Have difficulty using word endings such as -ed, -ing, -s correctly.
- Have difficulty connecting thoughts or sentences using conjunctions (and, but, or, yet).
- Do not understand verb tenses (past, present, future).
Strategies to use at home to help improve their use of grammar and syntax include:
- Use correct grammar and syntax when speaking or responding to your child.
- Play sentence games. Cut out pictures of everyday items from a magazine, paste them on cards, and have your child give a sentence that describes the object to other players to have them guess the item.
- Cut simple scenes from magazines and glue them on cards. Give your child open-ended prompts and have your child complete the prompts verbally.
- Use everyday objects around the house to teach plurals. For example, "I have a spoon. You have two spoons".
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