- Definition
Conventions are the common rules or expected ways things are done when we use language or create different types of stories, like using proper grammar or having certain characters in a children's book. These rules help us understand what we're reading or watching.
We use a capital letter to start a sentence, which is a convention that tells the reader a new thought is starting.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Conventions are like the rules of a game we all agree on, like taking turns, so everyone can understand how to play.
Ask your child: Why do we put a capital letter at the start of a name?
Common mix-up: Kids may think writing is just putting letters anywhere. Conventions are the rules that help us read and write, like going from left to right.
Examples
- Putting a space between words is a convention so we can see where one word ends and another begins.
- Using a period at the end of a sentence to show a thought is finished.
conventions is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 2 The Arts
- Grade 3 The Arts
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 7 The Arts
- Grade 8 The Arts
- Kindergarten Kindergarten
+17 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
