1. Meets
Common
Core
Standards
Prepositions
A Peer Workshopping Approach with Definitions, Active Learning Exercises, Comma Usage, Practices, and Workshoppings
Example:
I went to the store at the mall.
At the mall, I went to the store.
©Beth Hammett

2. Prepositions are:
words relating nouns/pronouns to other words in the sentence.
helpers that give amounts, causes, directions, place, and/or time.
Example:
We went camping in the woods to enjoy nature.
Basic/Simple Sentence
Prepositions

3. Prepositions are Everywhere!
First ahead! Then far behind!
They just refuse to be confined.
They’re near and far, there and here.
Like monkeys on a chandelier.
Over, under, across, and through,
Inside, outside, between the two,
Within, without, among, around,
It’s hard to pin a preposition down.
English Fresh Squeezed! By Carol Diggory Shields

4. Some Common Prepositions
About Below From Through
Above Beneath In Toward
Across Beside Into Under
After Between Like Up
Among By Of With
Around Down Off Without
At During On
Before Except Over
Behind For Since

5. The Preposition Chair Activity
Stand _______ your chair. What is the preposition in the sentence?
Stand ______ your chair. What is the preposition in the sentence?
Continue movements using as many prepositions as possible to show placement.
End with: Sat ____ your chair!

6. What is a Prepositional Phrase?
preposition + word(s) following it
gives details about a noun or pronoun
stretches a sentence
can be removed leaving a basic sentence intact
Example:
We went camping in the woods to enjoy nature.
Basic Sentence
Prepositional Phrases
Tom helped Ellen at the dance on Saturday.

7. Preposition Phrases and Commas
Prepositional phrases used at the beginnings of sentences must have commas:
When added to the front of the basic sentence: At first, I was worried.
Prep. Phrase
Basic Sentence
If the prepositional phrases move to the end of basic sentences, then the commas disappear:
I was worried at first.
Basic Sentence
TIP: If a sentence begins with: A, An, The, Noun, or Pronoun, no prepositional phrase or commas will exist. Highlight the first word of each sentence and apply the rule.

8. Comma Rule with Prepositions
If a sentence begins with: A, An, The, Noun, or Pronoun, no prepositional phrase exist and no comma is used.
Directions: Determine if each sentence begins with a preposition. If the sentence starts with a preposition then a comma is used. Correct the second sentence on each line. (Notice the comma added with a prepositional phrase will be placed near the: A, An, The, Noun, or Pronoun.)
I ran home. On the way I rested.
At the door, I saw Mr. Smith. He was a nice man.
My mom was home. When I ate lunch Mr. Smith joined me.
Dad was late from work. He stopped at the store.
After an hour, Mom left. I was surprised.
Before dark, Dad was home. At last we were ready for bed.
Now, in sentences 1-6, reverse the prepositional phrases to the ends of the basic sentences and remove the commas.

9. Let’s Practice: The letter ___ the table was gone!
Donald ate three scoops ___ ice cream.
The boxes ___ the backdoor __ the porch step were empty.
______ any notice, she was gone __ another state.
Can we drive ______ the park __ Main Street?
Tip: Remove the prepositional phrase(s) and your basic sentence remains.

10. Write Your Own: 1. Write a basic sentence: The lights were bright.
2. Use basic sentence + 1 prepositional phrase:
The lights were bright in the classroom.
3. Use basic sentence + 2 prepositional phrases:
The lights were bright in the classroom on Monday.
4. Move one prepositional phrase to beginning:
On Monday, the lights were bright in the classroom.

11. Prepositional Walk I walked ___________________________________.
Use complete sentences to describe a walk around your school campus.
Use each preposition only once. Circle the preposition(s) used in each sentence.
I walked ___________________________________.
Next, I went ________________________________.
__________________________________________.

12. Peer Workshopping Use your essay or a peer’s essay.
Circle preposition(s) in the sentences.
Are commas used with prepositions that begin sentences? (A, An, The, Noun, Pronoun = no comma at front)
Are commas removed from basic sentences with prepositional phrases at ends?
Make sure meanings of sentences are clear.
Correct any misused prepositions.