Lesson Plan: Saxon Math Lesson 12 - Using Positional Words
Grade Level: Reception / Kindergarten
Subject: Mathematics
Length: 30 Minutes
Learning Objectives
- Students will understand and use positional words such as "above," "below," "in front of," "behind," "next to," and "between."
- Students will demonstrate their understanding by describing the location of objects using these positional words.
Materials Needed
- Various classroom objects (blocks, toys, books)
- A large floor space or a whiteboard
- Worksheets with pictures for students to label positioning
- Markers or crayons
- A projector or smartboard (if available)
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Greet the students and introduce the topic.
- Briefly explain what positional words are and why they are important in everyday life.
- Show a few simple examples using physical objects in the classroom (e.g., "The book is on the table," "The toy is in front of the box").
Direct Instruction (10 minutes)
-
Introduce Positional Words
- Display a list of positional words on a board or chart: above, below, in front of, behind, next to, and between.
- Define each word and provide examples.
- Encourage students to repeat the words after you for better retention.
-
Demonstration
- Use classroom objects to demonstrate each positional word. For instance, place one object above another and ask, "Where is the block?"
- Have students respond with the correct positional term.
Guided Practice (10 minutes)
-
Interactive Activity
- Organize students in small groups. Give each group a set of objects.
- Ask students to create different arrangements and describe their positions using the words learned.
- Circulate among groups to assist and prompt students as needed.
-
Class Discussion
- Have groups share their arrangements with the class.
- Encourage them to use positional words in their descriptions, e.g., “The red block is next to the blue block.”
Independent Practice (5 minutes)
- Distribute worksheets with images where students must label the positions of various objects using the appropriate positional words.
- Allow students to work individually or with a partner to complete the activity.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Review key concepts by discussing the answers to the worksheet as a class.
- Reinforce the importance of using positional words in everyday situations.
- Optionally, assign a simple take-home activity where students describe the positions of objects at their home (e.g., a toy next to a chair).
Assessment
- Observe students during guided practice for correct usage of positional words.
- Review completed worksheets to assess understanding and correct usage.
- Provide informal feedback based on participation and accuracy in group discussions.
Extension Activities
- Incorporate positional words into a storytime session, where students help to place characters or objects in the correct positions.
- Use a game (like Simon Says) focusing on positional words, where a leader gives instructions such as, "Put your hands above your head" or "Stand behind your chair."
This lesson plan offers a structured approach to teaching positional words in a fun and engaging way while meeting kindergarten standards in mathematics.