Using That and Those: Sentence Writing Activity for Kids

Introduction

The ability to construct complete sentences is a fundamental skill for young learners, and understanding the use of demonstratives like "that" and "those" is essential for effective communication. This printable PDF resource is designed to help children aged 5-8 develop their grammar, comprehension, and writing skills through engaging activities that focus on these important concepts. Each of the 10 pages features six illustrated pictures of a hand pointing to both single and multiple objects, providing a visual context that makes learning fun and interactive.

Children will read reference sentences such as "That is a kite" and "Those are cars," and then practice writing their own sentences below each image. This resource not only reinforces the difference between singular and plural demonstratives but also encourages children to express their thoughts clearly and confidently. Ideal for use in classrooms, at home, or in therapy sessions, this activity fosters essential language skills in a playful and supportive environment.

Product Details

• Format: Printable PDF
• Total Pages: 10
• Illustrated Pictures: 60 (6 per page)
• Sentence Structure: Focus on using "that" for singular items and "those" for plural items
• Reference Sentences: Each page includes six example sentences for children to choose from
• Designed For: Early childhood education, language development, and grammar practice
• Best Suited For: Ages 5-8, suitable for use in classrooms, homeschooling, and speech therapy settings

Educational Benefits

1. Enhances Grammar Skills

• Teaches children the correct usage of demonstratives "that" and "those" in context.
• Helps develop a strong foundation in sentence structure for future writing tasks.

2. Improves Writing Proficiency

• Encourages children to practice writing complete sentences independently.
• Fosters neat handwriting and sentence formation through guided practice.

3. Boosts Comprehension and Vocabulary

• Strengthens understanding of singular vs. plural concepts through visual aids.
• Expands vocabulary as children learn new words associated with the illustrated objects.

4. Engages Visual Learners

• Utilizes colorful illustrations to capture children's attention and enhance learning.
• Provides a visual reference that supports comprehension and retention of concepts.

5. Supports Language Development

• Encourages expressive language skills as children articulate their thoughts in writing.
• Ideal for use in diverse settings, including classrooms, homes, and therapy sessions.

Instructions for Use

Step 1: Print the PDF

• Download and print the 10-page PDF resource on standard A4 or Letter-sized paper.
• Consider laminating the pages for durability and repeated use.

Step 2: Introduce the Concepts

• Begin by explaining the difference between "that" (singular) and "those" (plural) to the child.
• Use examples from the reference sentences to illustrate the concepts clearly.

Step 3: Explore the Illustrated Pictures

• Show the child the first page and discuss the illustrated pictures.
• Ask them to identify whether each image represents a single object or multiple objects.

Step 4: Read the Reference Sentences

• Guide the child in reading the six reference sentences at the bottom of the page.
• Encourage them to match the correct sentence with each corresponding picture.

Step 5: Write Complete Sentences

• Instruct the child to write their own sentences below each picture using "that" or "those."
• Remind them to focus on neat handwriting and proper punctuation.

Step 6: Review and Discuss

• After completing the page, review the sentences together.
• Discuss any mistakes and provide positive feedback to encourage improvement.

Step 7: Repeat with Additional Pages

• Move on to the next page and repeat the process, gradually increasing complexity as the child becomes more confident.

Step 8: Incorporate into Daily Learning

• Use these activities regularly to reinforce grammar skills and encourage ongoing writing practice.
• Consider integrating similar exercises into everyday conversations to strengthen understanding.

Activities Using the Resource

1. Picture Sentence Match-Up

Objective: Reinforce understanding of demonstratives through visual matching.

How to Play:

• Present a page with illustrated pictures and reference sentences.
• Ask the child to match each picture with the correct reference sentence.
• Discuss why each sentence fits the picture.

Skill Development:

• Sentence comprehension
• Visual recognition
• Critical thinking

2. Sentence Creation Challenge

Objective: Encourage independent sentence writing using demonstratives.

How to Play:

• Choose a picture and have the child write a sentence using "that" or "those."
• Encourage them to add descriptive words (e.g., "That is a big dog.").
• Share sentences aloud for peer feedback or family sharing.

Skill Development:

• Creative writing
• Vocabulary expansion
• Confidence in expression

3. Demonstrative Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Connect learning to real-world objects and reinforce grammar.

How to Play:

• Ask the child to find objects around the house or classroom that match the sentences (e.g., "That is a book," "Those are toys").
• Have them write sentences about their findings using "that" and "those."

Skill Development:

• Application of concepts
• Observational skills
• Sentence structure practice

4. Group Storytelling

Objective: Foster collaborative language use and storytelling skills.

How to Play:

• In a small group, take turns picking a picture and creating a collective story using the sentences.
• Each child adds a sentence using "that" or "those" based on the chosen picture.
• Encourage creativity and expansion of the story.

Skill Development:

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Narrative skills
• Listening and speaking

5. Sentence Sorting Game

Objective: Differentiate between singular and plural sentences effectively.

How to Play:

• Write several sentences using "that" and "those" on separate cards.
• Have the child sort the cards into two piles: one for "that" and one for "those."
• Discuss the reasoning behind their choices.

Skill Development:

• Grammar differentiation
• Sorting and categorization
• Analytical thinking

6. Illustrated Sentence Booklet

Objective: Create a personalized booklet to reinforce learning.

How to Play:

• Have the child select their favorite sentences from the pages.
• Help them create a mini-booklet by writing sentences and drawing corresponding pictures.
• Encourage them to share their booklet with family or friends.

Skill Development:

• Ownership of learning
• Artistic expression
• Sentence fluency

Conclusion

The "That" and "Those" Sentence Writing Resource is an essential tool for young learners aiming to enhance their grammar and writing skills. With its engaging illustrations and structured activities, this 10-page PDF helps children aged 5-8 understand the difference between singular and plural demonstratives in a fun and interactive way. By practicing sentence construction with visual prompts, children not only improve their writing proficiency but also boost their comprehension and vocabulary.

This resource is perfect for use in various settings, including classrooms, homes, and therapy sessions. It provides a supportive environment for children to express their thoughts clearly and confidently. Download this valuable resource today and watch your child flourish in their language development!