On, Under & Next To
On, Under & Next To
Today a ball, box, table, and bear introduce on, under, and next to, followed by put on, look under, and stand next to.
Today's Approach
Amara is about 2 years and 4 months old. Keep each guided activity to 3–8 minutes. Looking, pointing, moving one finger, acting, or saying one word all count as meaningful responses. Today is about above, below, and beside—not left and right. Do not test reading or require a complete sentence.
A4 Teaching Picture
Open the original image to download or print
How to use it
Use only this A4 picture, printed or displayed full-screen. Notice the ball on a box, ball under a table, and bear next to a box along the top. Point to the three actions in the middle, then count one table, two bears, and three balls along the bottom. Reading the labels is not required.
Goals
- Chinese: understand 上面, 下面, 旁边 and 放上去, 看下面, 站在旁边.
- English: meet
on,under,next to,put on,look under, andstand next to. - Cognition: notice one object's position in relation to another without adding left and right.
- Early math: count the one table, two bears, and three balls pictured at the bottom.
- Movement and life skills: show positions with a finger and the body, then notice real furniture safely with adult protection.
Materials
- Only the A4 teaching picture above, printed or displayed full-screen.
- A clear, dry space without sharp corners or clutter.
No ball, box, teddy bear, or other teaching object is needed.
1. Chinese Picture Talk
Time: 5–8 minutes.
Describe the three top cards:
- “球在盒子上面。”
- “球在桌子下面。”
- “小熊在盒子旁边。”
Then notice the middle actions:
- “小朋友把球放到盒子上。”
- “小朋友蹲低，看桌子下面。”
- “小朋友站在盒子旁边。”
Choose only one or two prompts:
- “哪个球在上面？”
- “桌子下面有什么？”
- “小熊在哪里？”
- “你想看上面、下面，还是旁边？”
If Amara only points, expand it: “对，小熊在盒子旁边。” Do not ask whether it is on the left or right.
Today's Original Mini Story
A ball sits on top of a box.
Another ball rolls under a table to rest.
The bear does not climb onto the box; it sits next to it.
A child puts a ball on the box, looks under the table, and stands next to the box.
All three places have been found.
Move one finger through the pictures. Retelling is not required.
2. English Time
Time: 3–5 minutes.
| English | Meaning | Picture response |
|---|---|---|
on | 上面 | Point to the ball on the box |
under | 下面 | Point to the ball under the table |
next to | 旁边 | Point to the bear beside the box |
put on | 放上去 | Move a finger towards the top of the box |
look under | 看下面 | Point to the child looking beneath the table |
stand next to | 站在旁边 | Point to the child beside the box |
Model:
The ball is on the box.The ball is under the table.The bear is next to the box.Put it on.Look under.Stand next to me.
Say one line, then wait. A look, point, or action is enough; translation and full repetition are not required.
3. Early Math: One Table, Two Bears, Three Balls
Time: 3–5 minutes.
Use only the bottom row:
- Under 1, touch the one table once:
one table. - Under 2, touch the two bears one at a time:
one, two. - Under 3, touch the three balls one at a time:
one, two, three.
Use one number word for one complete icon. Do not count table legs, bear ears, or colour sections on a ball, and do not test numeral recognition.
4. Movement: On, Under, Beside
Time: 3–5 minutes.
Move away from the screen and choose two or three actions:
- Use one hand as a “box” and rest the other gently on it:
on. - Use one forearm as a “tabletop” and move the other hand beneath it:
under. - Stand next to the adult:
next to. - Become still together on
Stop.
Approximate positioning is enough; do not correct movement form.
Furniture and Movement Safety
Do not climb onto tables or chairs, crawl deep beneath furniture, or place objects on a high or unstable surface. When looking under or standing beside real furniture, an adult stays close to prevent head bumps, pinched fingers, and contact with sharp corners. Clear the floor first.
5. Everyday Observation
Use one naturally occurring example:
- “杯子在桌上。”
- “鞋子在椅子下面。”
- “你站在我旁边。”
Describe rather than quiz. Never move furniture or ask Amara to crawl into an unsuitable place for the lesson.
6. Life Skill: Stand Next to an Adult
Time: 3–5 minutes.
During a normal transition, lift ride, or picture put-away:
- Say “请站在我旁边。” /
Stand next to me. - Moving closer, holding hands, or looking towards the adult all count as responses.
- Put the A4 picture in its usual place and say, “图片在这里。”
Do not require Amara to hold one position for a long time.
Bedtime Recall
- “今天哪个球在桌子下面？”
- “小熊在盒子哪里？”
On, under, or next to?- “什么时候需要站在成人旁边？”