Las Preposiciones

Preposition: a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause, as in "the man on the platform," "she arrived after dinner," "what did you do it for?"

– Definition from Oxford Languages

Prepositions can be a tricky concept for young children. Learning the prepositions, however, in a second language can be extremely useful and practical! Think about it, we use prepositions to give instructions to our children all the time. Example: put the dishes in the sink. Or: Get out from under your bed!

So, lets learn 4 commonly used prepositions: encima, abajo, adentro, and afuera. 

Encima- On/ on top.

• Pon el oso encima de la cama. (Put the bear on the bed)
• El  jugo está encima de la refrigerador (The juice is on top of the fridge)

Abajo/debajo- Under

• Pon tus zapatos abajo de la cama. (Put your shoes under the bed)
• El gato está abajo de la mesa. (The cat is under the table)

Adentro- Inside/in

• Pon el libro adentro de tu mochila. (Put the book in your backpack)
• El perro está adentro de la casa. (The dog is inside the house)

Afuera- out/outside

• Vá afuera. (Go outside)
• Tu papá está afuera. (Your dad is outside)

Here is a short video lesson that teaches these 4 prepositions in Spanish.

 

Here is a visual to help you study these prepositions with your kids! I have also created a little game that will help you practice as well.

1. Download the free printables below!
2. Print out the downloads
3. Cut out the fun characters
4. Laminate if you want and use velcro to make it more fun!
5. Practice telling your children to put the characters in the right places with the Spanish prepositions. Here are the commands you should use:

• "Pon el oso (or whatever object they chose) encima de la caja" (Put the bear on top of the box)
• "Pon el oso abajo de la caja" (Put the bear under the box)
• "Pon el oso adentro de la caja" (Put the bear inside the box)
• "Pon el oso afuera de la caja" (Put the bear outside of the box)