Enhance Literacy with Embedded Grammar Lessons
Research on the Science of Reading (SOR) dating back to the 1970s shows that teaching grammar as isolated rules doesn’t effectively transfer to writing and speaking. What works better is embedding grammar within the context of writing. This is why our writing program Lucky to Learn Writing (LTLW) includes grammar skills integrated into writing lessons. This approach ensures that the same skills and standards are met, but in a meaningful context that connects with the rest of the literacy curriculum.
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We also recognize the value of targeted practice and intervention to reinforce these skills. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite grammar activities that provide additional practice and intervention opportunities. These activities are designed to complement our integrated approach, ensuring students have a well-rounded understanding of grammar concepts. Let’s dive into these engaging and effective activities!
Do you remember memorizing a list of prepositions in grade school? Believe it or not, native English speakers already have a strong understanding of prepositions and prepositional phrases. They are a common part of our everyday language, and play an important role in giving information about place, direction, and time. Keep reading to learn more about prepositions and prepositional phrases.
What is a Preposition?
A preposition is a word that gives information about the place, direction, or time of the noun or pronoun in the sentence.
Examples of prepositions: on, for, after, at, by in, up, from, under
For a more comprehensive list of prepositions, click here.
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that contains a preposition and its object.
Examples of prepositional phrases: under the table, over the moon, through the door.
Download a list of grammar skills, including prepositions, perfect for reviewing important grammar concepts.
Bonus: If you are an All Access yearly member, you can edit the bulletin board skills to fit your specific district needs.
Activities to Teach Prepositions
Prepositions: Act it out!
Make a list of prepositions together as a class. A fun activity is to use a stuffed animal and have it demonstrate prepositions of place and direction. Students will have a blast taking turns coming up with new prepositions to add to the list!
Then, take turns calling out prepositional phrases and have students act them out in the classroom.
Examples: under the desk, next to the door, behind the shelf, on the chair, in front of the table
The song “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” is full of prepositions. Sing it together as a class and act it out, or read the book on our booklist below.
Playground Prepositions
Get outside and moving with playground prepositions! Similar to the act it out activity above, the teacher will call out a preposition and the students must do that on the playground (example: under the slide, next to the swing, between the monkey bars, etc.)
For a different twist on this activity, have students take a ball outside. Have them bounce or roll the ball, then write a prepositional phrase on their clipboard telling where the ball ended up (example: behind the climber, over the fence (hopefully not!), in the tube slide, etc).
Preposition Literacy Centers
Two different levels of grammar centers (1st and 2nd) for preposition practice. In this 1st grade center, students will use clothes pins to clip the correct preposition.
In this 2nd grade preposition center, students will use task cards and a recording sheet to identify the correct preposition. Great for informal assessment or review!
Toothy – Prepositions
We have a Toothy for everything! This self-checking game is perfect for whole group instruction, small group, independent practice, or centers. Identify the preposition in the sentence, then place a tooth in Toothy’s mouth. A game that is sure to make little learners smile!
Grammar Day by Day: Prepositions
This spiral review activity features 5 days of practice activities to reinforce the skill of prepositions and prepositional phrases.
For more preposition practice activities from Lucky Little Learners, check out our All Access Library here!
Books to teach Prepositions & Prepositional Phrases
These books are full of prepositions! Read with your students and have them listen for all the prepositions they hear.
Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
I’m On it! by Andrea Tsurumi
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Out the Door by Christy Hale
Videos to Teach Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases
The Preposition Song by Jack Hartman
Jack Hartman is at it again, this time with a song about prepositions for kids. Try singing along and memorizing all the prepositions to the tune of “Yankee Doodle.”
Prepositions of Place for Kids by Novakid
Students will have fun placing Luna the cat in a new position with her box to review prepositions of place.
The Prepositions Songs by ScratchGarden
This collection of songs from ScratchGarden teachers prepositions of place and movement, great for when you just want to introduce a few prepositions at a time!
With all the new knowledge of prepositions, students will be on their way to mastery in no time!
Tips for Teaching Kids Other Grammar Skills
Click the button below for tips on teaching other grammar skills.
Embed Grammar Instruction into Your Writing Lessons
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