Prepositions of place: Short Story for English Learners
In this lesson we will see examples of how to use prepositions of place (on, in, next to) in English. Throughout the story, you'll hear clear and useful examples that you can use in your daily conversations. Watch the video to practice listening or read the short story below. Answer the comprehension questions and complete the writing assignment for extra practice.
Mr. McKinney’s class
Mr. McKinney is a kindergarden teacher at Little Stars School. Today is the first day of school. When the students arrive, Mr. Mckinney tells them to hang their coats on the hooks.
Sara asks, “Mr. McKinney, where are the hooks?” Mr. McKinney replies, “The hooks are next to the door.”
Mr. McKinney tells the students to put their backpacks under their coats, then he tells them to put their notebooks on the desk.
Jimmy asks, “Mr. McKinney, where is my desk?” He replies, “Your desk is accross from Sara’s desk. When all the students are sitting down, Mr. McKinney starts class.
In the afternoon the students play. When it’s time to clean up, Mr. McKinney tells the students to put the toys inside the yellow bins. Charlie asks, “Where are the yellow bins, Mr. McKinney?” Mr. Kinney points to the shelf and replies, “The yellow bins are on the shelves.”
Then Mr. McKinney tells the children to line up by the door. Jimmy is behind Emma. Emma is behind Sara. Charlie is in front of Sara, Emma and Jimmy.
The students walk outside together. They walk under a big tree. They walk near a pond. They walk next to a women and her dog. Sometimes they walk on the sidewalk and sometimes they walk on the grass. Now they are far from Little Stars School. The students walk to the park. They play at the park for thirty minutes, then Mr. McKinney tells the students it is time to go back to school.
At school, the children get ready to go home. When their parents arrive, they say goodbye to Mr. McKinney. He replies, “Goodbye! I will see you tomorrow.”
Comprehension questions
Where does Mr. McKinney work?
Where did Mr. McKinney tell the students to put their notebooks?
Where did the students go?
Writing practice
Write 10 sentences describing where things are placed at your house. For example, “the couch is next to the lamp,” “the TV is on the TV stand,” “the dining table is in the kitchen.” Use the story as an example.
