Using Plurals

“Have Any?  How Many?”

• Approach your child with multiple objects that are the same (e.g., blocks, shoes, cars).
• Hold up the objects and ask, “What are these?”  Then hold up one and ask, “What is this?”
• Look through picture books.  Ask your child to name single items and then point to multiples and ask him to name these items as well. 
• Emphasize the “s” at the end of words.
• Use numbers when labeling objects (e.g., one block, two blocks).
• Model the use of plurals when necessary.  Provide your child with as many opportunities to use plurals as possible throughout the day.
• For irregular plurals, model correct uses (e.g., mouse-mice).  If your child says, “I see two mouses,” you say, “Oh, you see two mice?”  Remember do not criticize your child’s incorrect responses.  Rather, just rephrase it correctly.