Ever wonder what a fresh pack of markers, some counting bears, and a roll of paper can teach your preschooler? Okay, probably not. But that is why you come to me, your preschool activity expert. (wink, wink) Up, down, over, under, inside, and outside are all preschool prepositions. Preschool prepositions are essential terms to help expand your child’s vocabulary and thinking. And yep, we can practice this with three simple supplies.
And you know, these counting bears are LIFE. This hands-on literacy activity is the perfect way to get your child thinking and learning by doing! – the winning combination.
What are positional words?
Positional words are words to show placement and direction. Up, down, over, under, inside, and outside are all examples of preschool prepositions.
Use positional words throughout the day:
- During daily conversations – Let’s go inside the tub.
- In one-step directions – Put the bear on the ladder.
- Giving two-step directions – Put the bear on the ladder and then move him up the ladder.
You also know that we a huge fan of these counting bears. You have seen them in Bear Soup, Bring Home the Bears, and lots more here!
Simply put, these counting bears are the bomb. They are a helpful manipulative for preschool learning.
NOTE: The counting bears we use have a suggested age of 3+. Please read the box and make your own decision about using the counting bears before playing. If you are not yet comfortable, you will find many more activities for toddlers here.
Preschool Prepositions are Fun!
This preschool activity took minutes to set up, allowing two sons to expand their imaginations. As I stood near my two-year-old, he moved the bears up and down the ladder and onto the tree. He grasps each bear and strengthens his fine motor muscles preparing for pencil grip.
RELATED: Curious about the ABC’s? Here is what you need to know about letter recognition.
As your children play, reinforce with these conversation starters:
- Oh, I see! Your red bear is going UP the tree!
- Does the blue bear want to come DOWN the ladder and join his friends?
- How can the yellow bear get ON TOP of the tree?
RELATED: Keeping the right supplies on hand is key. Our supply list has everything you need to get started.
What I noticed my preschoolers learning
Before I knew it, my four-year-old had joined, and I watched him create color patterns up the ladder.
You know what?
I didn’t suggest making a pattern. My four-year-old decided to do this on his own since we’ve taken the time to plant the seeds with our weekday Breakfast Invitations.
Essentially, my four-year-old took what he had been introduced to and applied it to his independent play.
RELATED: More about the play is explained in my preschool activity startup guide.
Supplies and Set Up
This prepositional play game is quick and easy.
- First, tape down your white paper roll.
- Draw a tree with two ladders.
- Place the counting bears to the left of the drawing.
- Invite your preschoolers to come to play!
- As your preschoolers play, mention a few of the prepositions mentioned in the list above.
White Paper Roll
This paper is a staple in our home. Place it on the table or a verticle surface. So many uses!
Washable Markers
Share these markers with your kids, or keep them for yourself. I am not one to judge; I like my own pack too.
RELATED: Looking for more literacy supplies? These are our favorite supplies to boost alphabet recognition.
FAQ
Positional words are words to show placement and direction. Up, down, over, under, inside, and outside are all examples of preschool prepositions.
Preschool should be a time to create and explore new ideas. We want our early learners to transport objects, discover color combinations, sort, classify, design, connect, and investigate new ideas. We can do this with hands-on preschool activities – NOT worksheets. Use these preschool activity cards with your child.
Teaching hands-on is following a child’s interest and learning style. It allows children to use their hands and mind to make connections through investigation and problem-solving. A child that loves to move will incorporate more gross motor activities. If your child works on pencil grip, slow down and review the fine motor activity list.
