To teach kids 'this, that, these, those', focus on two main ideas: how far something is (near or far) and how many there are (one or many). Use simple, visual examples and lots of pointing. Start with 'this' and 'that' for single items, then move to 'these' and 'those' for multiple items.
Children often mix up these words because they sound similar or they forget to check if an object is singular or plural. The real challenge is consistently applying both distance and quantity rules together in different situations.
"Learning demonstrative pronouns like 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those' becomes easier when you make it a game," says a LearnLink tutor. "Engage children by turning everyday objects into a fun scavenger hunt where they have to correctly identify and describe items."
👉 You can gently support your child’s progress by starting with a free lesson on LearnLink.
Understanding This, That, These, and Those
Demonstrative pronouns are words that point to specific things. They tell us if something is near or far, and if there is one item or many items. Using 'this, that, these, those' helps us talk clearly about objects around us.
These words are important for describing and understanding sentences. They help kids build stronger communication skills. Mastering them means children can easily talk about their surroundings and share their observations.
Applying the Rules: Age-by-Age
Ages 4-6: Focus on 'this' and 'that' with objects right in front of them. Use simple commands like 'Touch this apple' or 'Point to that chair.' Incorporate movement and direct interaction. Expanding their new vocabulary words during these activities is very helpful.
Ages 7-10: Introduce 'these' and 'those.' Use picture cards or classroom objects. Ask kids to describe what they see. For example, 'These are my books' or 'Those are the clouds.' Make it a game to identify multiple items at varying distances.
Ages 11-15: Encourage using all four words in longer sentences and short stories. Ask them to describe a scene from a book or a real-life event. For instance, 'This is the book I'm reading, and those are the notes I took.' This age group can also discuss when to use these words versus other types of pronouns.
Core Explanation: Rules for Demonstrative Pronouns
| Word | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| This | One thing, near me | This is my ball. |
| That | One thing, far from me | That is a tall tree. |
| These | Many things, near me | These are my shoes. |
| Those | Many things, far from me | Those are the birds. |
Common Mistakes When Using Demonstrative Pronouns
Understanding these common errors can help children avoid confusion. Always check for both quantity and distance.
| ❌ Incorrect | ✅ Correct |
|---|---|
| This are my toys. | These are my toys. |
| These is a book. | This is a book. |
| Look at these bird far away. | Look at that bird far away. |
| I like that flowers near me. | I like these flowers near me. |
✍️ Task: Complete the sentences using 'this', 'that', 'these', or 'those'.
1. Look at ______ pretty flower near you.
2. ______ big dogs are running far away.
3. Are ______ your crayons on the table here?
4. My friend saw ______ huge mountain far in the distance.
💬 Task: Use the image as inspiration and describe what is happening.
1. Write 3 sentences about the children and toys in the picture.
2. Use 'this, that, these, those' in your sentences.
3. Try to use at least one plural and one singular demonstrative.
✏️ Task: Create your own sentences.
1. Look around your room right now.
2. Write 4 sentences describing objects you see.
3. Use 'this, that, these, those' to show if the object is near/far and one/many.
Step-by-Step Learning Progression
1. Input: Begin by showing objects and saying the words. Point to a single apple near you and say, 'This apple.' Point to multiple books far away and say, 'Those books.' Connect the words directly to the visual and physical context.
2. Controlled Practice: Guide children with specific tasks. Ask them to choose the correct word from a given list to complete a sentence or describe an object you point to. This builds accuracy in a supportive environment.
3. Semi-Controlled Practice: Provide scenarios or pictures and encourage them to form sentences. For example, show a picture of a cat far away and ask, 'What is that?' This step encourages more independent thinking while still offering some guidance.
4. Free Production: Ask children to describe their surroundings freely. 'Tell me about your classroom using 'this, that, these, those'.' They might talk about objects, people, or events. This fosters fluency and natural language use.
5. Feedback: Offer gentle corrections and positive reinforcement. Focus on understanding rather than perfect grammar initially. Correct mistakes by rephrasing the sentence correctly for them to hear and repeat. For additional support on other grammar topics, explore our blog.
Conclusion
Teaching 'this, that, these, those' is essential for children's descriptive abilities. By breaking down the rules into singular/plural and near/far, and using engaging, age-appropriate activities, children can master these demonstrative pronouns. Consistent practice and clear examples are key to building confidence in their English skills.
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