Above and Below: Exploring Spatial Relationships

Math Grades 1st Grade 2:00 Video
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Lesson Description

A fun and interactive lesson for 1st graders to understand the concepts of 'above' and 'below' through everyday objects and examples.

Video Resource

Learn Grade 1 - Maths - Above and Below

KidsClassroom - Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs

Duration: 2:00
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Above
  • Below
  • Spatial Relationships
  • Position

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify objects that are above other objects.
  • Students will be able to identify objects that are below other objects.
  • Students will be able to use the words 'above' and 'below' to describe the position of objects.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students where different things are in the classroom (e.g., "Where is the clock?", "Where is the rug?") and guide them to use words like 'above', 'below', 'on', 'next to' when describing the position. Introduce the video and tell them they will learn about 'above' and 'below'.
  • Video Viewing (3 mins)
    Play the "Learn Grade 1 - Maths - Above and Below" video from KidsClassroom. Ensure students are paying attention to the examples given in the video.
  • Discussion and Examples (7 mins)
    After the video, reinforce the concepts by giving more real-world examples. Ask students to describe where things are in the classroom using 'above' and 'below'. For example, "The light is ______ your head.", "Your shoes are ______ your desk."
  • Activity: Drawing Positions (10 mins)
    Have students draw a picture with at least three objects and label one object as 'above' another and one object as 'below' another. For example, they can draw a sun above a house, and a cat below the house.

Interactive Exercises

  • Classroom Scavenger Hunt
    Call out instructions like, "Find something that is above your desk," or "Find something that is below the window." Students find the object and share it with the class.
  • Simon Says: Above and Below
    Play a modified version of Simon Says using 'above' and 'below'. For example, "Simon says put your hands above your head," or "Simon says put your feet below your chair."

Discussion Questions

  • Can you think of something that is always above you?
  • Can you think of something that is usually below you?

Skills Developed

  • Spatial Reasoning
  • Vocabulary Development
  • Listening Comprehension
  • Following Instructions

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

The bird is ______ the tree.

Correct Answer: above

Question 2:

The shoes are ______ your feet.

Correct Answer: above

Question 3:

The clouds are ______ the ground.

Correct Answer: above

Question 4:

The book is ______ the table.

Correct Answer: above

Question 5:

The fish swims ______ the water.

Correct Answer: below

Question 6:

Where is the sun?

Correct Answer: Above the clouds

Question 7:

Where are your socks?

Correct Answer: Inside your shoes

Question 8:

The roof is ______ the house.

Correct Answer: above

Question 9:

The grass is ______ your feet when you stand outside.

Correct Answer: below

Question 10:

The airplane is ______ the buildings.

Correct Answer: above

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The stars are ______ the Earth.

Correct Answer: above

Question 2:

The roots are ______ the tree.

Correct Answer: below

Question 3:

The ceiling is ______ your head in the classroom.

Correct Answer: above

Question 4:

The floor is ______ your feet.

Correct Answer: below

Question 5:

The shelf is ______ the desk in our classroom.

Correct Answer: above

Question 6:

My bed is ______ the floor.

Correct Answer: above

Question 7:

The basement is usually ______ the house.

Correct Answer: below

Question 8:

A picture hangs ______ the wall.

Correct Answer: above

Question 9:

The water is ______ the boat.

Correct Answer: below

Question 10:

Birds fly ______ the clouds.

Correct Answer: above

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.G.A.1:Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes. CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.1:Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.

Teaching Materials

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