Metalinguistics is the analysis, reflection, and use of language as an object to understand a particular subject better.  As parents of elementary students, we would all like to assume that our children’s teachers have sufficient vocabulary and metalinguistic knowledge to teach students what they are supposed to know under state standards. I mean, how hard could it be to only master up to 5th-grade knowledge? It turns out to depend on the subject.  Ask a third-grade math tea

Syntax and structure are as important as phonics in the literacy journey. When teachers develop strong metalinguistic knowledge, they are better equipped to help their students unlock comprehension skills and improve long-term literacy outcomes.

I have always been an incredibly musically-challenged person. Seriously–my husband once told me I didn’t have to sing in church. I always laughed it off and remained self-deprecating about my deficiencies, but when I became a parent, I promised myself that my own children would not face the same fate. At the ripe old age of three, my daughter was enrolled in Suzuki violin lessons. As per the Suzuki methodology, I was right there by her side; she had an adorable mini-violin,