Let's Learn About Short Words (Abbreviations)!

English Language Arts Grades Pre-K 4:36 Video
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Lesson Description

Discover how we make words shorter! This lesson teaches Pre-K kids about abbreviations through fun examples and activities.

Video Resource

Abbreviations for Kids | Learn some common abbreviations and why we shorten words

Learn Bright

Duration: 4:36
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Abbreviations are shorter ways to write words.
  • We use abbreviations to save space and time.
  • Some abbreviations are very common, like 'a.m.' and 'p.m.'

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify what an abbreviation is.
  • Students will be able to recognize a few common abbreviations (Mr., Mrs.).
  • Students will be able to understand why we use abbreviations.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they've ever seen short forms of words. Explain that these are called abbreviations. Show examples on a whiteboard or chart (e.g., 'Mr.', 'Mrs.').
  • Video Time (5 mins)
    Watch the Learn Bright video 'Abbreviations for Kids'. Pause at key points to discuss what's being shown and ask questions.
  • Abbreviation Hunt (5 mins)
    After the video, have students look around the classroom for examples of abbreviations in books, posters, or labels. Point out abbreviations like 'St.' on street signs.
  • Matching Game (5 mins)
    Prepare cards with abbreviations and their full words (e.g., 'Mr.' and 'Mister'). Have students match the abbreviations to the full words.
  • Drawing and Labeling (5 mins)
    Have students draw a picture of something and label it, trying to use an abbreviation if possible (e.g., drawing a man and labeling him 'Mr. [Name]').

Interactive Exercises

  • Abbreviation Bingo
    Create bingo cards with common abbreviations. Call out the full words, and have students mark the corresponding abbreviations on their cards.
  • Act It Out
    Have students act out scenarios where they might use an abbreviation, like writing a letter to 'Mr. Smith'.

Discussion Questions

  • What is an abbreviation?
  • Why do we use abbreviations?
  • Can you think of any abbreviations you already know?

Skills Developed

  • Listening comprehension
  • Vocabulary building
  • Print awareness
  • Matching and identification

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which one is a short way to write 'Mister'?

Correct Answer: Mr.

Question 2:

What are short words called?

Correct Answer: Abbreviations

Question 3:

If your friend's mommy is married, you can call her?

Correct Answer: Mrs.

Question 4:

Is 'St.' a short way to write 'Street'?

Correct Answer: Yes

Question 5:

Which one tells us about the time before lunch?

Correct Answer: a.m.

Question 6:

We use short words to save ______ and ______.

Correct Answer: time, space

Question 7:

If it's afternoon time, what do we usually say?

Correct Answer: p.m.

Question 8:

Do short words make it easier to write on a small card?

Correct Answer: Yes

Question 9:

Which of these is a short word for Doctor?

Correct Answer: Dr.

Question 10:

Are 'Mr.' and 'Mrs.' short or long words?

Correct Answer: Short

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A short way to write a word is called an ___________.

Correct Answer: abbreviation

Question 2:

We use 'a.m.' for the ______.

Correct Answer: morning

Question 3:

If we want to call a man mister, we write ______.

Correct Answer: Mr.

Question 4:

'St.' can be a short way to say ______.

Correct Answer: Street

Question 5:

We use short words to save ___________.

Correct Answer: time

Question 6:

'p.m.' is for the ___________.

Correct Answer: afternoon

Question 7:

Mrs. is what you call a ___________ woman.

Correct Answer: married

Question 8:

If you are going to see a doctor, you can write ___________.

Correct Answer: Dr.

Question 9:

Short words help us fit more on a __________.

Correct Answer: paper

Question 10:

We can also save __________ with short words.

Correct Answer: space

Educational Standards

PK.1.L.1:Students will actively listen using agreed-upon rules with prompting. PK.2.PC.1:Students will begin to understand that print carries a message by recognizing labels, signs, and other print in the environment. PK.4.R.3:Students will begin to acquire new vocabulary and relate new words to prior knowledge. PK.8.R:Students will listen and respond to read-alouds, participate in shared reading, and interact independently with texts.

Teaching Materials

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