Before this week’s newsletter, a quick note:
Do you still have that one person in mind that might benefit from this content? The parent you’ve met at daycare drop-off, the friend from church, or your cousin’s step-uncle’s neighbor’s teacher’s favorite barista that has two young children? This newsletter is perfect for them! Send them a text or forward this email to them - whatever’s easiest. We want to get this newsletter in front of more parents and caregivers. They just need this link. Thanks in advance!
- Reed
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Now here’s the newsletter from Casey!
Lately, my (almost) three-year-old has been starting almost every question with something like, “Do you… I… me, we… I… you…..”
It’s equally funny as it is fascinating. I know his brain is working so hard as he tries to find the right words and put them in the right order. He knows what he wants to say, but he’s still figuring out how to say it.
As an SLP and a mom of young kids, I can recognize this stage for what it is: a beautiful, messy step in language development. This is when children are experimenting with grammar - learning how words fit together to make sense of their thoughts to others.
How Grammar Develops
Children don’t learn grammar by memorizing rules; They learn it by hearing and using language every day. Around age two, kids begin combining words (“Mommy go!” or “Big truck!”), and from there, things take off.
They start figuring out:
Word endings (like -ing, -ed, -s)
Small connector words (is, are, was, the, a)
Word order to express meaning
By preschool age, most children are speaking in longer, more complete sentences. But you’ll still hear plenty of creative grammar along the way, and that’s completely normal!
Common “Mistakes” That Are Actually Milestones
If your child says things like:
“Him goed to the park.”
“I runned fast!”
“Her want it.”
These little mix-ups can actually be a good sign. They show that your child is noticing consistent patterns in language and trying to apply them. It’s a natural part of learning, and with time and exposure, those patterns refine.
How Parents Can Help
Supporting grammar growth doesn’t require drills or worksheets. It can be taught with conversation, patience, and play. Try these everyday strategies:
Model, don’t correct. Instead of “No, say went,” simply respond, “Yes, he went to the park!”
Expand on what they say. “Doggy run” becomes “Yes, the doggy is running fast!”
Read together. Storybooks are full of rich examples of sentence structure and rhythm.
Narrate daily life. Something like, “We’re putting on socks…. Now shoes…. Okay, let’s go outside!” gives your child lots of natural grammar input.
Why Grammar Matters
Grammar is what helps children organize their ideas so others can understand them. As their grammar develops, they’re able to tell stories, talk about their day, ask questions, explain their thinking, and connect more deeply with others - skills that can set the foundation for literacy and academic success later on.
A Final Thought
So when your little one says, “Do you… I… me, we… I… you…” just know that this jumble of words is a window into their growing mind. They’re practicing how language works, and with your patience and support, their sentences will soon flow more smoothly with confidence.
Casey
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