Function of Words: The Preposition

Prepositions are abstract — they name relationships, not things. The elementary child grasps them through physical enactment. Each 'under,' 'above,' 'beside' is lived with objects, and then represented by the green crescent.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Grammar
• Level: Ages 6-7

Objectives

• Identify prepositions as words of relationship (on, in, under, beside)
• Associate the small green crescent with the preposition
• Experience prepositions through physical positioning
• Compose prepositional phrases

Materials

• Small green crescent cut from cardboard
• Basket of preposition command cards ('put the ball under the chair', 'place the book on the table')
• Miniature objects for physical performance

Instructions

1. Tell the story: 'Some words connect a thing to another thing by place or time. They are small, humble words — but without them, we cannot say where or when. We call them prepositions and mark them with a small green crescent.' 2. Place the crescent. 3. Give a child a command card: 'Put the ball under the chair.' 4. The child performs the action. 5. Identify the preposition: 'under.' 6. Mark it with the green crescent. 7. Repeat with many commands. 8. Mark prepositions in written sentences. 9. Compose prepositional phrases: 'on the shelf,' 'behind the tree.'

Educator tip

Keep the physical action in every early lesson — prepositions are learned in the body before they are abstract.

Assessment

Observe identification in spoken and written language, and whether the child composes clear prepositional phrases.

More from Language

• Function of Words: The Pronoun
• Function of Words: The Adverb
• Function of Words: The Conjunction
• Function of Words: The Interjection
• Word Study: Prefixes
• Word Study: Suffixes
• Poetry Study — Rhyme, Rhythm, and Imagery
• Grammar Box 1 — The Article