Children's English Basics 

What is a Pronoun?

A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun.
Instead of saying the noun again and again, we use a pronoun to make our sentence smoother and less repetitive.

🎩 Let’s Pretend...

You keep saying:
"Ava has a doll. Ava loves the doll. Ava takes the doll everywhere."

It sounds like a robot! 

Let’s use pronouns:

"Ava has a doll. She loves it. She takes it everywhere."

Now that sounds much better!

 

 Types of Pronouns (With Examples)

Type

What it Does

Examples

Personal Pronouns

Replace specific people or things

I, you, he, she, it, we, they

Possessive Pronouns

Show ownership

mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs

Demonstrative Pronouns

Point to something

this, that, these, those

Reflexive Pronouns

Reflect back to the subject

myself, yourself, herself, himself, themselves

Interrogative Pronouns

Ask questions

who, whom, whose, what, which

Relative Pronouns

Link parts of a sentence

who, which, that, whose

 

 

We use different kinds of pronouns depending on what we're talking about.
Let’s explore each one like a little story!

 

1. Personal Pronouns – Talking About People and Things!
 

These pronouns are used instead of names of people, animals, or things.
 

They help us avoid repeating names again and again.

 

 

  Types of Personal Pronouns:

 

We use different words depending on:

 

Who is speaking
 

Who we are speaking to
 

Who or what we are talking about

 

 

 

1.“I” and “Me” – Talking About Yourself (1 person)

 

I is used when you are doing something.
 

Me is used when someone else is doing something to you.

 

Examples:

 

I am going to the park. → (You are doing the action.)
 

Mom hugged me. → (Mom is doing something to you.)

 

✨Tip: “I” comes at the start of a sentence. “Me” comes after a verb.
 

2. “We” and “Us”  – Talking About Yourself + Someone Else (Group)

 

We is used when you and someone else are doing something.
 

Us is used when something is happening to you and others.

 

Examples:

 

We are painting a picture. → (You and a friend are painting.)
 

 The teacher gave us a sticker. → (The teacher gave something to you and others.)

 

Tip:  “We” is the subject (doer), “us” is the object (receiver).

 

 

 

3.“You” – Talking To Someone

 

 Used when you are speaking to one person or many people.

 

🔸 Examples:

 

You are funny! → (Talking to a friend.)
 

You all did a great job! → (Talking to a group.)

 

Tip: “You” can mean one or many

 

 

 

4.“He / Him” – Talking About a Boy/Man

 

He is doing something.
 

Him is getting something done to him.

 

Examples:

 

He is playing soccer. → (He = the boy doing the action.)
 

 I saw him at the store. → (You are doing something to him.)

 

 

 

5. She / Her” – Talking About a Girl/Woman

 

She is doing something.
 

Her is getting something done to her.

 

Examples:

 

Sheis singing. → (She = girl doing the action.)
 

We called her. → (We did something to her.)

 

 6. “They / Them” – Talking About Many People/Animals/Things
 

• They is used when a group is doing something.
   

• Them is used when a group is receiving something.
   

🔸 Examples:
 

• They are building a sandcastle. → (Group is doing the action.)
   

• I helped them with homework. → (You did something for them.)
   

 7. “It” – Talking About One Animal or Thing
 

• Use it when talking about 1 animal (if gender is unknown) or 1 object.
   

Examples:
 

• It is raining. → (Talking about the weather.)
   

• I found a ball. It is red. → (It = the ball.)

 

 Why These Are Personal Pronouns:
 

They are called personal because they show:
 

• Who is speaking (I, we)
   

• Who is being spoken to (you)
   

• Who is being spoken about (he, she, they, etc.)
   

They help make sentences shorter and smoother.

 

 Quick Pronoun Swap Game:

Maya is dancing. → She is dancing.

John and I are laughing. → We are laughing.

I saw  Lee and Aura . → I saw them.

The cat is cute. → It is cute.


Personal Pronouns Table
 

Pronoun

Used For

When We Use It

Example Sentence

I

Yourself

When you are talking about only yourself

I am going to the park.

We

Yourself + others

When you are part of the group doing something

We are playing football together.

Us

Yourself + others (not doing the action)

When something is happening to your group

The teacher gave us homework.

You

The person you're talking to

When you're talking to someone (one or many)

You are my best friend.

He

One boy/man

When talking about one boy or man

He is eating a sandwich.

She

One girl/woman

When talking about one girl or woman

She is drawing a picture.

It

One animal/thing

When talking about an object or an animal (not a person)

It is a cute puppy.

They

Many people, animals, or things

When talking about more than one person, animal, or thing

They are watching a movie.

Them

Many people/animals/things (not doing the action)

When something is happening to many people or things

I saw them at the zoo.

 

 

I have a secret  Tip for you :
 

• If you are doing something, use I / we / he / she / they.

• If something is done to you or others, use me / us / him / her / them.
  
  
  POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS
   

Possessive pronouns show that something belongs to someone.

They tell us who owns what — without repeating the name or noun again.

 

 My – before a thing
 

Use “my” when you talk about something that belongs to you.

Example: This is my pencil.

(It belongs to me.)

 

 Mine – replaces the noun
 

Use “mine” when you don’t want to repeat the thing again.

Example: This pencil is mine.

(You don’t need to say “my pencil” again.)

 

 Your – before a thing
 

Use “your” when talking about something that belongs to the person you’re talking to.
🎒 Example: Is this your bag?

 

 Yours – replaces the noun
 

Use “yours” when you don’t want to say the thing again.
🎒 Example: This bag is yours.

 

 His – before or after the thing
 

Use “his” when something belongs to a boy or a man.
👟 Example: These are his shoes.
👟 Example: These shoes are his.
(Both ways are correct.)

 

 Her – before the thing
 

Use “her” when something belongs to a girl or a woman.
📚 Example: This is her book.

 

 Hers – replaces the noun
 

Use “hers” when you don’t want to say the noun again.
📚 Example: This book is hers.

 

 Its – before a thing (used with animals or things)
 

Use “its” when something belongs to an animal or object.
🐶 Example: The dog is eating its food.
(We don’t say “it’s” here — “it’s” = it is, not possessive.)

 

 Our – before the thing
 

Use “our” when something belongs to you and others.
🏡 Example: This is our house.
(You + your family or friends)

 

 Ours – replaces the noun
 

Use “ours” when you don’t want to repeat the thing.
🏡 Example: That house is ours.

 

 Their – before the thing
 

Use “their” when something belongs to a group of people.
🎓 Example: These are their uniforms.

 

 Theirs – replaces the noun
 

Use “theirs” when you don’t want to repeat the thing.
🎓 Example: Those uniforms are theirs.

 

🎯 Why These Are Possessive Pronouns:
 

They are called possessive because they show:

• Who owns something

• Who something belongs to

• They help avoid repeating names or nouns.
   

For example:
Instead of saying, “That is Emma’s backpack,” you can say, “That is hers.”

 

 Quick Pronoun Swap Game:

 This is my toy. → This toy is mine.
That is your pen. → That pen is yours.
These are our cookies. → These cookies are ours.
The yellow bike belongs to him. → It is his.
This red dress is hers. → It is hers.
These books belong to them. → They are theirs.
 

Types of Demonstrative Pronouns:
 

There are 4 main demonstrative pronouns we use in English.

 

 1. “This” – Talking About One Thing That Is Close

• Use this when pointing to one thing that is near you.

 Examples:

• This is my book. → (The book is near you.)

• Look at this cute puppy! → (You're close to the puppy.)
   

Tip: Use “this” for one thing you can touch or see nearby.

 

 2. “That” – Talking About One Thing That Is Far
 

• Use that when pointing to one thing that is far away.

 Examples:

• That is a tall building. → (The building is far away.)

• Do you see that balloon in the sky? → (You’re pointing to something far.)
   

 Tip: Use “that” for one thing that’s not near you.

 

3. “These” – Talking About More Than One Thing That Is Close

• Use these when talking about many things that are near you.

 Examples:

• These are my toys. → (The toys are near you.)

• These apples look fresh. → (You can see or hold the apples.)

Tip: “These” = more than one, close to you.

 

 4. “Those” – Talking About More Than One Thing That Is Far

• Use those when talking about many things that are far away.

 Examples:

• Those are stars in the sky. → (You’re pointing to things far away.)

• Those children are playing in the park. → (The children are far from you.)

 Tip: “Those” = more than one, far from you.

 

 Why These Are Demonstrative Pronouns:
 

They are called demonstrative because they demonstrate or show what you're talking about.

They help us say exactly which thing or things we mean, without using long descriptions.

 

 Quick Pronoun Swap Game:

 The cupcake is yummy. → This is yummy.
The mountain is huge. → That is huge.
The kittens are soft. → These are soft.
The toys on the shelf are old. → Those are old.

 

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
 

Reflexive pronouns are words we use when someone does something to themselves.

They are used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same person.

 

📌 Reflexive Pronouns List:

Person

Reflexive Pronoun

I

myself

You

yourself

He

himself

She

herself

It

itself

We

ourselves

You (plural)

yourselves

They

themselves

 

 

 How to Use Reflexive Pronouns

We use reflexive pronouns when someone does something to themselves.

 

1. “Myself” – When I do something to me

 Examples:

• I cut myself while cooking.

• I made this card all by myself!

 Tip: Use “myself” when you do something to you.

 

 2. “Yourself” – When you do something to you

 Examples:

• Be careful, don’t hurt yourself.

• Did you paint this picture by yourself?

 Tip: Use “yourself” when one person does something to themselves.

 

 3. “Himself” – When he does something to him

 Examples:

• He looked at himself in the mirror.

• The boy made the sandwich by himself.
   

 Tip: Use “himself” when the boy/man is both the doer and the receiver.

 

 4. “Herself” – When she does something to her

 Examples:

• She taught herself to dance.

• Mom fixed the toy by herself.
   

 Tip: Use “herself” when the girl/woman is doing it to herself.

 

5. “Itself” – When an animal or thing does something to itself
 

 Examples:

• The cat cleaned itself.

• The robot turned itself off.

 Tip: Use “itself” for things or animals.

 

6. “Ourselves” – When we do something to us

 Examples:

• We enjoyed ourselves at the party.

• We made the cake ourselves!

 Tip: Use “ourselves” for more than one person, including you.

 

 7. “Yourselves” – When you (more than one person) do something to yourselves

 Examples:

• Kids, be good and behave yourselves.

• Did you all finish the game by yourselves?
   

 Tip: Use “yourselves” when talking to a group.

 

 8. “Themselves” – When they do something to them

 Examples:

• The kids cleaned up by themselves.

• They made lunch themselves.
   

 Tip: Use “themselves” for more than one person not including you.

 

 Why They’re Called Reflexive:
 

The word “reflexive” comes from “reflect” — like a mirror.
The action bounces back to the person who does it.

 

 Quick Reflexive Pronoun Swap Game:
 

 I drew this picture. → I drew it myself.
She dressed the doll. → She dressed it herself.
The cat cleaned the fur. → The cat cleaned itself.
They made the cookies. → They made them themselves.
 

 

 What Are Interrogative Pronouns?
 

Interrogative pronouns are question words we use when we don’t know something and want to ask about it.

These pronouns help us ask questions about people, things, or choices.

 

 Common Interrogative Pronouns:

There are 5 main interrogative pronouns we use in English.

 

 1. “Who” – Asking About a Person

• Use who when you want to know which person did something or is someone.

 Examples:

• Who is knocking at the door?

• Who won the race?

 Tip: Use “who” when you're talking about people.
 

 2. “Whom” – Asking About the Person Receiving the Action (less common for kids)

• Use whom when asking about someone who is getting something done to them.

 Examples:

• Whom did you call?

• Whom are they helping?
   

 Tip: You don’t need to use “whom” often in everyday talk. Most people just say who!

 

3. “What” – Asking About a Thing or Idea

• Use what when asking about things, ideas, or information.

 Examples:

• What is your favorite color?

• What are you eating?

 Tip: Use “what” for things, actions, or facts.
 

 4. “Which” – Asking About a Choice

• Use which when you want to choose between options.

 Examples:

• Which book do you want to read?

• Which is your pencil?

 Tip: Use “which” when there are limited choices.

 

 5. “Whose” – Asking About Ownership

• Use whose to ask who something belongs to.

 Examples:

• Whose shoes are these?

• Whose bag is on the table?
   

 Tip: Use “whose” when you're asking about possessions.

 

 Why These Are Called Interrogative Pronouns:
 

They are called interrogative because they help us interrogate — that means to ask questions!
They replace the unknown person or thing we are curious about.

 

 Quick Pronoun Swap Game:
 

 This bag belongs to a girl. → Whose bag is this?
I want to know the person who is calling. → Who is calling?
I want to know the object on the table. → What is on the table?
There are two options. I want one. → Which do you want?
You spoke to a boy? → Whom did you speak to?

 

 

 

 Highlight Reading Time:
 

"Liam has a bike. He rides it every day to school. His friends wave to him as he passes by. Liam feels proud of himself."

🟡 Circle the pronouns!
🟠 He, it, his, him, himself

 

Let's Jump to some  Fun Activities

1. Replace the Nouns
 

Emily has a teddy. Emily loves the teddy.

→ She has a teddy. She loves it.
 

Now, you Do the same:
 

• Maya and Ben are reading books. Maya and Ben are in the library.

• Sam made cookies. Sam shared the cookies with his friends.

 

 Find the Pronoun!
 

Underline the pronouns:

• I helped my mom with dinner.

• These are my favorite crayons.

• Who is knocking at the door?

• She did all the homework by herself.

 

 Draw a Pronoun Family 
 

Draw and label:
 

• One picture for he, one for she, one for they, and one for we
  Make it fun and colorful!

 

 Quick Quiz Time!
 

1. What do we use instead of a noun?
   a) verb
   b) pronoun
   c) adjective

2. Which is a possessive pronoun?
   a) it
   b) they
   c) mine

3. Choose the correct pronoun:
   My brother is funny. ___ tells great jokes.
   a) She
   b) He
   c) It

📖 Mini Reading Activity with Highlights
 

Story: Liam’s Magical Day at the Market

Liam went to the market by himself on Saturday.
He wanted to buy fruit, so he took a basket.
At the fruit stall, he said, “Can I have those apples, please?”
“Sure!” said the woman. “These are fresh.”
Liam gave her some coins and thanked her.
He also saw a boy who dropped his bag.
“Whose bag is this?” Liam asked.
The boy smiled and said, “It’s mine!”
Liam smiled and thought, “Someone should always help others.”
He looked at himself in a shiny spoon and laughed!
“Who knew a market could be so magical?”

 

Let's do some Comprehension + Grammar Questions
 

Part A: Find the Pronouns
 

🔍 Find and write:

• 2 personal pronouns

• 2 reflexive pronouns

• 2 demonstrative pronouns

• 1 interrogative pronoun

• 1 possessive pronoun

• 1 indefinite pronoun

• 1 relative pronoun (Hint: Look in the last sentence!)

 

Part B: True or False|
 

• Liam went to the market with his mom.
   

• “Those” is a demonstrative pronoun.
   

• “His” is a reflexive pronoun.
   

• “Someone” is an indefinite pronoun.
   

• “Who” is used to ask a question.

 

Part C: Think & Answer
 

• Have you ever helped someone like Liam did? What happened?
   

• Use “yourself” in a sentence.
   

• Which do you like more: this or that? Why?
   

• Make a sentence using “they” and “themselves.”

 

🎨 Creative Activities
 

 Pronoun Detective

Pick your favorite short story or comic. Use a highlighter to find:
 

•  Personal pronouns
   

•  Reflexive pronouns
   

•  Demonstrative pronouns
   

•  Possessive pronouns
   

•  Interrogative pronouns
   

•  Indefinite pronouns

​

 

​

 

 Quick Recap: Let’s Remember!
 

 Pronouns take the place of nouns!

Here are the most common types:
 

• Personal: I, you, he, she, it, we, they

• Reflexive: myself, yourself, herself, himself, ourselves, themselves

• Possessive: mine, yours, his, hers, theirs, ours

• Demonstrative: this, that, these, those

• Interrogative: who, whom, whose, what, which

• Relative: who, which, that (joins two ideas)

• Indefinite: someone, anyone, everyone, nobody, everything

Pronouns make speaking and writing smoother and more fun!