Isn't preposition a big word for 1st grade?

The label is big; the idea is tiny. Call them where-words and first graders find them easily: in, on, under, by, up. The formal name can wait; the finding is what the grade needs.

Which prepositions should we practice first?

The physical ones a child can demonstrate: in, on, under, by, to. Time prepositions like during or abstract ones like about belong to later grades. If your child can act it out with a stuffed animal, it's fair game now.

1st grade identifying prepositions

1st grade identifying prepositions worksheets

Prepositions are little where-words that tell where something is or where it's going: in, on, under, by. First graders find the where-word in short sentences, a skill their hands already know from putting toys in boxes and cups on tables.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core L.1.1.i.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of sentences you'll get

Underline every preposition in each sentence.

The pot sits on the hot stove.
Answer: on
The wind blows the dry leaves off the tree.
The pig digs in the wet mud.

Every print pulls a new set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different mix.

What's on a 1st grade sheet

1st grade sheets draw from 138 sentences, 12 to a page. 56 of the 138 aren't on 2nd grade sheets. The other 82 are. 2nd grade sheets print 10 to a page.

Some of the words to find:

tobyatwithforfromunderoverdown

Identify. Underline every preposition in each sentence. 12 questions per page.
Multiple choice. Circle the letter of the word that is a preposition. 10 questions per page.

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

How to teach this

Act it out with any small toy: put the block ON the book, IN the cup, UNDER the chair, and say each little word with drama. Then hunt the same words in sentences. Position words stick fastest when the body does the positioning first.

Watch for: Many prepositions are tiny words (in, on, at, of), so students read past them. Small doesn't mean unimportant. A preposition always has a partner noun after it: under the porch, with my friend. If there's no partner, it's working as a different part of speech.

Common questions about 1st grade identifying prepositions

Isn't preposition a big word for 1st grade?: The label is big; the idea is tiny. Call them where-words and first graders find them easily: in, on, under, by, up. The formal name can wait; the finding is what the grade needs.
Which prepositions should we practice first?: The physical ones a child can demonstrate: in, on, under, by, to. Time prepositions like during or abstract ones like about belong to later grades. If your child can act it out with a stuffed animal, it's fair game now.

Related worksheets

Ready to print one?

Need a fresh set of sentences? Download another copy.

Aligned to Common Core L.1.1.i. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 240, updated July 2026.

Spot a mistake on this sheet? Tell us. · About these worksheets