The function of the pronoun as a substitute for a noun has been made clear in the analysis of the above sentences. After the children themselves have composed the first sentence with the colored cards they form the second sentence by taking away the noun card and substituting the corresponding pronoun. In the work done by the teacher to give the child an idea of the normal position of the pronoun, let her remember that in Italian personal pronouns precede the verb except in interrogation (where the subject may follow) and in cases where the subject is specially emphasized and where the pronouns appear as a suffix (infinitive, participle and imperative).
He soothed her with a kiss.
He her soothed with a kiss, etc., etc.
[It will become apparent that in English the personal pronoun takes the position of the noun, whereas for Italian the pronoun shifts to a position in front of the verb. Considerable variety develops in English when the noun is replaced by a relative pronoun. However, the different problems arising in connection with pronouns generally are so complex that we return to this subject, especially to the question of subject and object forms, in dealing with sentence-analysis later.]
Lessons and Commands on the Pronoun
Subject:
Subjective Personal Pronouns: I, you, he, she, we, you, they (io, tu, egli, essa, noi, voi, loro, etc.).
Explain these pronouns as briefly and practically as possible from the point of view of speaker and listener, etc., one child commanding the others while they execute the command along with him. Example: The teacher, named for instance Anna Fedeli, explains in this way: "I don't say Anna Fedeli; I say I." "To Carlino here I don't say Carlino; I say, you." "Of Gigino, over there, I don't say Gigino; I say he," etc., etc.
Command:—
The command is given by a child; but he himself executes the first personal form along with the other children:
—I walk around the table
—You walk around the table
—She walks around the table
—He walks around the table
—We walk around the table
—You walk around the table
—They walk around the table
—I raise my arms
—You raise your arms
—She raises her arms
—He raises his arms
—We raise our arms
—You raise your arms
—They raise their arms
—I lift the chair
—You lift the chair
—He lifts the chair, etc., etc.
—I take the ink-stand
—You take the ink-stand
—He takes the ink-stand, etc., etc.
—I wave my handkerchief
—You wave your handkerchief, etc., etc.