Mastering English Prepositions of Place

Prepositions Flashcards for First Grade Learners

Learning prepositions can be tricky for young children, but using visual tools like flashcards can make it fun and easy. I designed this set of Prepositions Flashcards specifically to help my first-grade students understand and use common prepositions of place through colorful images and simple sentences.

Each card features a friendly bird and a cardboard box to visually demonstrate where things are—making abstract concepts clear and meaningful for little learners. Whether in the classroom or at home, these flashcards support early grammar development in an engaging and playful way.

Overview

The flashcards introduce common prepositions of place through simple text and visuals. These include:

• on
• in
• next to
• under
• in front of
• behind
• near
• between

The flashcards feature colorful birds and a cardboard box to visually demonstrate prepositions of place. These pictures are interesting, simple, and perfect for first-grade learners.

How I Used the Prepositions Flashcards in My Classroom

I introduced each flashcard one by one, naming the bird and describing its position in a short, simple sentence, like:
“The yellow bird is next to the box.”
“The blue bird is near the box.”
I told a little story with each image to help them remember, e.g., "The blue bird is flying toward the box but hasn't reached it yet."
After showing a card, I had students repeat the preposition aloud and point to the image:
“Where is the bird?” – “It’s next to the box!”
Using a real box in the classroom, I invited students to come forward and place a toy bird (or any object) in different positions — “Put the bird under the box,” or “Place it behind the box.” The class had to guess the preposition.
I printed smaller versions of the flashcards and gave students labels with prepositions. They worked in pairs to match the correct word to the picture.
Students drew their own bird and box scenes and wrote simple sentences using the new words, like:
“The bird is on the box.”
Finally,I posted the flashcards on the wall as a visual reference. Students often pointed to them during writing or speaking activities when they needed help with prepositions.

Benefits for Teachers and Parents

These colorful Prepositions of Place flashcards help children easily understand where things are by using fun bird and box pictures. Teachers can use them in class for games, speaking, and writing activities. Parents can also use them at home to support learning in a fun and simple way. They make grammar easy and enjoyable for young learners.

Tips for Printing and Displaying Flashcards in the Classroom

To get the most out of your Prepositions Flashcards, here are some helpful tips for printing and displaying them effectively:

• Print on thick paper or cardstock:
• Using heavier paper makes the flashcards more durable for frequent use, especially in busy classrooms.
• Use color printing for better visuals:
• The bright bird and box illustrations help students remember the meaning of each preposition more easily.
• Cut neatly along the edges:
• Use scissors or a paper cutter to ensure clean lines and a professional look.
• Laminate the cards (optional but recommended):
• Laminating makes the flashcards reusable and protects them from wear, spills, and creases.
• Display on your grammar wall or bulletin board:
• Hang the flashcards where students can see and refer to them during writing or speaking activities.
• Create an interactive corner:
• Place a toy and a real box under the flashcards so students can act out each preposition during free time.
• Store extras in labeled envelopes or plastic pouches:
• Organized storage makes it easy to reuse and rotate flashcards during different lessons.