Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Preposition

Prepositions express relationships between nouns. Physical manipulation—putting objects on, under, beside, between—makes these abstract words concrete.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Grammar
• Level: Ages 5-6

Objectives

• Understand prepositions as position/relationship words
• Identify prepositions in sentences
• Use the Montessori grammar symbol for prepositions
• Explore spatial language

Materials

• Green crescent (Montessori preposition symbol)
• Small objects and box for positioning
• Preposition command cards
• Grammar symbol set

Instructions

1. Place a ball and a box. 2. 'Put the ball ON the box.' 3. 'Put the ball UNDER the box.' 4. 'The words on, under, beside, between—these are prepositions.' 5. Present green crescent symbol. 6. Read and act out preposition commands. 7. Find prepositions in sentences.

Educator tip

Use the child's body too: 'Stand BEHIND the chair. Sit BETWEEN two friends.' Physical experience cements understanding.

Assessment

Child identifies and demonstrates prepositions in sentences and physical activities.

More from Language

• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Conjunction
• Sentence Analysis: Subject and Predicate
• Sentence Building with Grammar Symbols
• Plural Nouns: Regular and Irregular
• Word Families: Building Word Walls
• Prefix Exploration: Un-, Re-, Pre-
• Suffix Exploration: -ful, -less, -ness
• Homophone Pairs: Same Sound, Different Meaning