Correcting my 5yo

[Pigeonpost]

My DS is in YrR. Recently turned 5. Progressing well with reading, no SEN or other issues. When he goes to the toilet he says "I'm just going for a toilet". His siblings (one older, one younger) and DH and I both say "going to the toilet" in the normal way. English is his only language so it's not a translation on his part. He's always said it. I've started correcting him but I don't feel entirely comfortable doing it. I think I should continue to correct him and explain what the correct sentence construction is but can anyone please reassure me this is the correct approach to take? Thanks.

[ChangedDays]

My ds has a speech delay, albeit slight now, so not sure how relative this is but, we correct. By correct I mean repeat back but in the correct term, in a conversational way. I don't tell him he is wrong

[ChangedDays]

Ie. I'm just going for a toilet.
Pardon, sorry I didn't catch you? You're just going to the toilet?

Seems to be working for us.

[gallicgirl]

I prefer to model the correct usage to my 5 year old but I will sometimes correct in a more direct manner.

[Pigeonpost]

Ok so we should just repeat back "going to the toilet" and not "no, that's wrong, you should say you are going to the toilet"?

[ChangedDays]

I don't really agree with direct correction as it can be confusing but generalised might be ok (apologies, there's a word to explain & can't quite think of it)

[gallicgirl]

That's right Pigeon.

I think any direct correction should be done in a positive way, rather than telling a child they're wrong. I guess methods of correction might depend on the child's abilities too. My 5 year old enjoys playing with words and can understand an age-appropriate explanation.

[madamginger]

My DS has a speech problem and his slt told us to correct him and ask him to repeat the correct phrase, but this is part of his speech therapy and we don't do it every time as it can get a bit much

[PresidentCJCregg]

When DD was working through speech therapy I would frame it back as a question with two possible answers.

So, you could say 'sorry DS, is it going for a toilet, or going to the toilet?'

After a while you only have to say something like 'you're going...' And let him complete the rest.

[Pigeonpost]

Thanks all, really helpful!