Function of Words: The Pronoun

Pronouns stand in for nouns so language doesn't become tedious ('Maria took Maria's book to Maria's desk' becomes 'Maria took her book to her desk'). The elementary child delights in replacing — it feels like a clever shortcut.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Grammar
• Level: Ages 6-7

Objectives

• Identify pronouns as words that stand in for nouns
• Associate the tall purple triangle with the pronoun
• Recognize personal, possessive, and demonstrative pronouns
• Understand that pronouns prevent repetition

Materials

• Tall purple equilateral triangle (same base as the noun but taller or darker)
• Basket of sentences with repeated nouns
• Paper and pencil

Instructions

1. Tell the story: 'The noun is a mighty pyramid, but sometimes we grow tired of naming the same thing again and again. A special word steps in to stand for the noun — a pronoun.' 2. Place the purple triangle on a table. 3. Read a sentence with a repeated noun: 'The girl took the girl's book.' 4. Invite the child to replace the second 'girl' with 'her.' 5. Mark the pronoun with the purple triangle. 6. Continue with many sentences. 7. Introduce he, she, it, they, we, I. 8. Add possessive pronouns (his, hers, theirs). 9. Add demonstrative pronouns (this, that, these, those).

Educator tip

Children often find personal pronouns easy but demonstratives tricky. Use physical pointing for 'this' (near) and 'that' (far).

Assessment

Note pronoun identification and correct substitution without changing meaning.

More from Language

• Function of Words: The Adverb
• Function of Words: The Conjunction
• Function of Words: The Interjection
• Word Study: Prefixes
• Word Study: Suffixes
• Poetry Study — Rhyme, Rhythm, and Imagery
• Grammar Box 1 — The Article
• Grammar Box 2 — The Adjective with Noun and Article