At what stage do children typically learn the majority of what they know about English grammar?

Children typically learn the majority of what they know about English grammar before they reach kindergarten because this is a critical period for language development. During the early years, from birth to around age five, children are immersed in language through interactions with adults and peers. They engage in conversations, listen to stories, and begin to understand the structure and rules of language naturally through exposure and practice.

During this stage, they pick up vocabulary, sentence structures, and the basic rules of grammar without formal instruction. Their ability to imitate sounds, words, and sentence patterns significantly contributes to their understanding of language. This foundational knowledge serves as a springboard for more complex language skills that they will develop later on in kindergarten and elementary school. Overall, the period before kindergarten sets the groundwork for their ongoing literacy and language development.