Question 1

What articles should second graders learn?

Accepted Answer

Second graders should use the three English articles correctly: a, an, and the (CCSS L.2.1). They learn that a is used before words beginning with a consonant sound, an before a vowel sound, and the for specific or previously mentioned nouns. Correct article use is a component of the formal grammar instruction expected in second grade.

Question 2

How do you teach a vs. an to second graders?

Accepted Answer

Teach the rule by sound, not spelling: a before a consonant sound (a dog, a uniform — note that uniform starts with a /y/ sound) and an before a vowel sound (an apple, an hour — note that hour starts with a silent h). Have students say the phrase aloud and listen for whether the next sound is a vowel or consonant. Worksheets with fill-in-the-blank sentences reinforce the rule.

Question 3

Why is the article rule about sound, not spelling?

Accepted Answer

English article choice is based on the first sound of the following word, not its first letter. This means a university (not an university) because university starts with a /y/ sound, and an hour (not a hour) because hour starts with a silent h. Teaching students to listen to the sound rather than look at the letter prevents the common errors that arise from relying on spelling alone.

2nd Grade Articles Worksheets

Articles

A, an & the - Groundhog

A, an & the - Parrot

Articles 'a' and 'an' - Elephant

Articles 'a' and 'an' - Octopus

Articles a, an & the - Book

Articles a, an & the - Coin

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