1st grade this, that, these, and those worksheets

The kind of sentences you'll get

Every print pulls a fresh set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on each sheet

• Choose the word. Circle the letter of the pointing word that fits the sentence. 10 questions per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.

How to teach this

Physically point. This pencil in my hand; that clock on the wall; these crayons here; those chairs over there. The words are gestures written down, and 6-year-olds learn them fastest with an arm outstretched. Keep the distance clues loud in early practice: here, in my hand, over there.

Watch for: Two questions decide every case: how many, and how far. Answer both before choosing. Them is never a pointing word: it's those books, not them books.

Common questions about this, that, these, and those

How do I teach this, that, these, those?

With pointing. This is for one thing close, that for one thing far, these for many close, those for many far. Practice around the room: this table, that door, these fingers, those windows. The grammar is in the arm.

Which do kids mix up most?

These and those, because both are plural and only distance separates them. Sentences with strong place clues (in my hand, across the field) give the answer away, which is why every practice item includes one.

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