Preposition

What is the goal of this program?

Learn the spatial relationship between objects and the environment 

Why is this program important?

Helps with: 

• Describing the position of objects
• Expanding the use of different elements of language
• Enhancing the concept of ‘where’ 

How can this be taught?

This program is divided into three main stages. In the first stage, put 2 identical items on distinctive locations (e.g. on vs under), and ask your child to give [preposition] (e.g. ‘give “under”‘). Physical or gestural prompt can be used. Only teach a new preposition after he has mastered the previous one. 

Moving on to the next stage, tell your child to put an item to corresponding locations by saying ‘put [preposition]’ (e.g. ‘put “under”‘). Again, prompts can be given at the beginning of the stage.  

The last stage involves child giving answers with a preposition. Tell your child to put an item by saying ‘put [preposition]’ first, after he put to the correct place, immediately ask your child ‘Where is [item]?’. Upon mastery of this stage, move on to just ask your child ‘Where is [item]?’.  

Please note that varying the reference location is very important (e.g. teaching ‘on’ on bed, on chair, on table etc.) in order to let your child generalize the prepositions in different areas.   

Suggested toys and materials 

Any possible pairs of items, such as: 

• Animal set, kitchen set, food toys etc. 

 Reference location: 

• On vs under: chair, table, shelf etc.
• Inside vs outside: box, bowl, pencil case etc.
• On vs beside: plate, chair, book etc.
• In front of vs behind: toy car, animal toy, clock etc.
• In front of vs between: animal toy, lego man, furniture toys etc. 

Related programs 

• Attributes
• Describing events 

Troubleshooting / Prerequisite skills 

• Attributes
• Labels