This Science Daily article refers to research about how playing with blocks increases spatial development. Interaction during this play time also increases spatial vocabulary.
The researchers found that when playing with blocks under interactive conditions, children hear the kind of language that helps them think about space, such as “over,” “around” and “through.”
So, is there an age limit to playing with children’s toys in the classroom to learn these prepositions? Some classes are academic leaning and don’t allow for much play. However, other groups might be willing to play around, especially if it helps them master prepositions reflecting spatial concepts that are often difficult to explain with words and pictures only.
If you use the preposition through, you are indicating a temporary passage. If you’re going through something, you usually won’t stay there. If you use the preposition into, you’re indicating entry to something. If you are going into something, your intention is to stay for a while.
These prepositions imply movement from one place to another. So, when a ball flies through a window into someone’s room, it flies through the window briefly, and stays in the room until someone finds it.
No matter what your religion or nation of origin is, if you are in the United States from the end of November through New Years, you can’t avoid seeing some evidence of Christmas. For those of you who are interested in some useful vocabulary this season, keep reading…
Of course, it’s difficult to summarize a “typical” American Christmas because there are so many people with a variety of traditions, so if I’ve forgotten something, feel free to comment.
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