QUESTION: Why is it so hard for my child to understand and use punctuation marks while reading?
ANSWER:
Understanding and using punctuation marks is an essential part of reading comprehension. Punctuation helps convey the meaning of a sentence, and without it, sentences can become confusing and difficult to understand. It also provides structure, clarity, and rhythm to written language.
There are several reasons why your child may struggle with understanding and using punctuation marks. Her are 3 of them:
- Lack of exposure: If your child has not been exposed to proper punctuation use, they may not have developed a strong understanding of how punctuation affects the meaning of a sentence.
- Read books aloud together and pause at punctuation marks. Talk about why they are used and how they affect the meaning of the text.
- Difficulty with language: Children who are struggling with language development may also struggle with punctuation use, as it requires both an understanding of syntax and the ability to express thoughts and ideas.
- Introduce the most common punctuation marks, like periods, question marks, and commas. Explain their functions and provide simple examples to demonstrate how they are used in sentences.
- Attention difficulties: Children who have difficulty focusing and paying attention may find it more challenging to understand and apply punctuation rules.
- Use visual cues to draw attention to punctuation marks. For example, highlight or underline them.
Remember to be patient and provide a supportive learning environment. Celebrate your child’s progress and reinforce their efforts. With consistent practice, guidance, and your support, your child can improve their understanding and usage of punctuation marks while reading.
Reach out to me here for a complimentary, personalized Learning Clarity Breakthrough session to work out individualized strategies for your child.
You know, when I was homeschooling, I never thought of pausing when we were reading to discuss punctuation. That’s an excellent idea!
So many of us wish we could go back and undo some of the things we did, and do some things we didn’t do out of our ignorance at the time. Thank God, our children made it… in spite of us. 😄
Fortunate are the children that have a caring role model that takes the time to teach and nurture the self respect and self worth of their emotions. Learning is easier when anxiety is not continually providing a distraction.
So true, Doug. Anxious brains don’t learn.
I know a lot of people who don’t use punctuation at all, which makes what they write very difficult to read. And some really great authors, such as James Joyce, chose not to use punctuation in such books as “Ulysses.” I did try to read it, and, somehow, I made it through to the end, but, for sure, I don’t remember much of it. It was beyond my reading level.
So I can see how the lack of punctuation can be an interesting literary device. But it makes reading difficult. And kids need to learn how to use punctuation before they learn how to break the rules. Your suggestions here are really great and this should help teachers and parents work with kids who find pretty much everything having to do with writing to be difficult.