Describe the process of learning syntax and grammar in school.

The learning of syntax and grammar proceeds slowly and with practice (Tomasello, 2006, 2011). During the school years, children gradually learn more complex language constructions, and this development parallels other aspects of cognitive development. For example, "Jack paid the bill" and "She had asked him out" becomes "Jack paid the bill because she had asked him out." The ability to use more complex sentences reflects the child's developing understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.