Preschool teachers should begin with a direct lesson on plural endings. The teacher will explain that nouns are people, places and things that they can see, hear, touch, smell and taste. Then they explain that plural nouns name more than one. This explanation should be accompanied by examples. Teachers can bring an item like chips, put some on a paper plate and write the word "chips" above them with the "s" highlighted.
Preschoolers are in the beginning stages of writing development. Many can already write their names, but others are still scribbling or just making the rudimentary shapes of letters. Teachers can reinforce writing skills while demonstrating what plural endings look like. For example, when the class is working on the letter "s," the teacher can direct a whole group lesson about how "s" is used to tell them that there is more than one thing or person. The teacher writes words like "cats," "toys" and "books" and underlines the "s" in each one.
Preschoolers enjoy listening to stories, and teachers usually read aloud to students daily. After reading a book to the group, the teacher should show the class nouns in the book that have "s" or "es" endings, then explain that this means there is more than one. The teacher should also re-read the sentence that includes the word to reinforce how to use it correctly.
Preschool teachers rely on hands on activities to reinforce skills. These are usually done in small groups using some type of learning manipulative. Teachers can use animal picture cards to help kids see the difference between singular and plural. These cards have the names of the animals spelled so children can get a visual reinforcement. When they compare the singular and plural animals, they learn that there will be an "s" on the names that show more than one.
Children enjoy games, and they can be beneficial for learning. Teachers who have access to computers can help their students play an online game called "Bug Catcher." This is a fun activity that requires simple navigation of a few keys. Kids get the alligator to "eat" the correct singular or plural nouns that are written on the bugs.