Introduction:
Mastering prepositions is an essential skill for English language learners. Prepositions help students express relationships between words, so understanding and using them effectively is key to communication. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 12 engaging preposition activities for the ESL classroom to introduce your students to this important part of speech.
1. Preposition Treasure Hunt:
Hide small objects around the classroom and have students find them by following prepositional clues. For example, provide hints like “The object is under the table” or “It’s behind the plant.”
2. Preposition Charades:
Have students act out different prepositions and have their classmates guess which preposition they are demonstrating.
3. Preposition Simon Says:
Play a game of Simon Says where the teacher gives instructions using prepositions, such as “Simon says touch something under your chair” or “Simon says point to something on your right.”
4. Preposition Pictionary:
Encourage students to draw pictures illustrating different prepositions. Their classmates can then guess which preposition they drew.
5. Preposition Bingo:
Create bingo cards with various prepositions and play a game of bingo where students must identify the correct preposition when called out.
6. Sentence Scramble:
Provide a set of scrambled sentences with missing prepositions for students to rearrange and insert the correct prepositions.
7. Positional Sentences:
Have each student describe where they are sitting in relation to objects within the room, using as many prepositions as possible.
8. Blindfold Directions:
Pair students up, blindfold one student, and have the other student guide their blindfolded partner around the room using only prepositional phrases.
9. Musical Prepositions:
Play music while having students move about the room in relation to different objects – such as on top of chairs or underneath tables – while using the appropriate prepositions.
10. Preposition Matching:
Provide students with sets of sentences and prepositions requiring them to match the correct preposition with each sentence.
11. Story Time Prepositions:
Have students create short stories using a specific list of prepositions. The stories can be shared with the class to practice listening skills and reinforce learning.
12. Preposition Quiz:
Create a quiz where students have to fill in missing prepositions or identify incorrect prepositions in various sentences.
Conclusion:
Prepositions are an essential part of English grammar, so incorporating engaging activities into your ESL classroom can help your students gain confidence and fluency in their English communication skills. With these 12 activities, your students will be well on their way to understanding and using prepositions effectively.
