Teaching kids the correct usage of "this" and "that" is fundamental for building their early English grammar skills. The key to understanding these words lies in grasping the concept of proximity – how near or far something is from the speaker.
Understanding 'This' and 'That'
"This" and "that" are demonstrative words that point to specific nouns. The choice between them depends entirely on distance:
- This: We use this to talk about a person, place, animal, bird, or thing that is near to us. It refers to something singular and close by.
- Example: "This is a dog." (The dog is close to the speaker.)
- That: We use that to talk about a person, place, animal, bird, or thing that is far from us. It also refers to something singular, but at a distance.
- Example: "That is a tree." (The tree is far from the speaker.)
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Word | Use When... | Example |
---|---|---|
This | Something is near to you | "Look at this apple in my hand." |
That | Something is far from you | "That bird is flying high in the sky." |
Effective Strategies for Teaching 'This' and 'That'
Learning "this" and "that" should be an interactive and fun experience for kids. Here are several practical methods:
1. Hands-On Proximity Games
- Near and Far Game: Place various objects around a room. Stand near an object and say, "This is a ball." Then, point to an object far away and say, "That is a chair." Encourage children to mimic you.
- Touch and Point: Ask children to touch an object close to them and say, "This is [object name]." Then, ask them to point to something far away and say, "That is [object name]."
- Hide and Seek with Objects: Hide an object close by and when found, say "Found this!" Then, point to a distant object and say, "Let's find that toy over there."
2. Visual Aids and Flashcards
- Picture Cards: Create flashcards with pictures of objects. For each object, have two versions: one close-up and one tiny (implying far away). Practice saying "This is a flower" for the close-up and "That is a flower" for the distant one.
- Visual Charts: Create a large chart demonstrating the concepts. Draw a hand pointing to a near object for "this" and an extended arm pointing to a far object for "that."
3. Engaging Activities
- Storytelling with Props: As you tell a simple story, use props. When a character interacts with a close object, say "He picked up this toy." When they see something in the distance, say "She saw that big castle far away."
- Songs and Rhymes: Simple songs incorporating "this" and "that" can be incredibly effective for memorization. Many educational channels on platforms like YouTube offer such resources (e.g., search for 'This and That' songs for kids on reputable educational channels).
- "I Spy" with a Twist: Play "I Spy" using "this" and "that." For example, "I spy with my little eye this red book" (if it's close to you) or "I spy with my little eye that tall building" (if it's far).
4. Everyday Integration
- Descriptive Conversations: Encourage children to use "this" and "that" in their daily conversations. For instance, if they ask for a toy, prompt them: "Do you want this toy here, or that toy across the room?"
- Reading Together: While reading picture books, point to objects within reach on the page or in the room and use "this." Point to objects implied to be far away in the illustration and use "that."
Key Tips for Parents and Educators
- Keep it Simple: Focus on one concept at a time if necessary, but generally, teaching "this" and "that" together highlights their contrast effectively.
- Repetition is Key: Children learn through consistent exposure. Repeat the words and examples frequently in various contexts.
- Make it Fun: Learning should always be an enjoyable experience for kids. Incorporate games, songs, and playful activities.
- Be Patient: Every child learns at their own pace. Celebrate small successes and provide gentle corrections.
- Model Correct Usage: Always use "this" and "that" correctly in your own speech, as children often learn by imitating adults.
By making learning interactive and connecting it to their everyday world, children will quickly master the use of "this" and "that," building a strong foundation for their language development.