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 teacher to define...

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.