What Is Grammar -

Well it is an Important Strategy

for Reading.

As said on the learning to read page, there are 4 systems or strategies important to becoming an effective reader. Grammar and paralanguage cues are important to structure and pattern what the children are reading.

Children begin to learn grammar rules in early childhood.

Children learn patterns of language when learning to speak. From their early words to when sentences begin, children start to learn how words work and the structure of our language.

As they begin to understand print and the words they see around them, they also understand that what they say represents these words. This development from early speech helps with children's understanding of reading and writing later on.

Beginner grammar and the understanding of paralanguage cues or punctuation is fairly basic in early childhood learning.

It is important for children to understand the order of words and that a group of words together is a sentence. These sentences usually begin with a capital letter and end with a full stop. They also know, even if indirectly, that a sentence has a person or thing that is doing something - therefore they understand that the words mean something and that they make sense.

Paralanguage cues or punctuation begin to be learned during more formal education at school.

While reading a book to the class, the teacher may draw attention to a particular cue - for example: ? the question mark - then focus on it over a number of lessons. This focus will include what it means, why we use it, getting the children to understand by asking them for examples, and to also show how we use our voice to read a question mark.

Teachers do similar focus lessons with other punctuation marks such as: !-exclamation marks; "_____"-talking marks; ,-commas; and bold print. There are some very good children's books out there that help reinforce this learning of punctuation.

This helps children to read with expression and understanding.

If you need more information on Grammar we've included more on the page grammar in writing.

Do you remember all the rules of Grammar?

Are you able to help your child with their homework when it requires correct grammar?

The Grammar Guide is a fantastic comprehensive guide that will give you every confidence as well as a resource your children can use right through their schooling. Buy your copy online.