Naming Dimensions: Three-Period Lesson

Presentation

1
Choose one material the child already builds with ease, and take out only the two most different pieces (for example the largest and smallest cubes).
2
First period (naming): point to one and say "large", then point to the other and say "small". Let the child touch each as you say it. Repeat a few times.
3
Second period (recognition): ask "Show me large. Give me small. Put small on your lap." Repeat, changing the positions, as long as the child is interested.
4
Third period (recall): point to one and ask "What is this?" Only ask this when the child has succeeded easily in the second period.
5
If the child makes an error, do not correct it; return to the first or second period, or end the lesson and repeat another day.
6
On a later day, use three pieces to teach the comparative and superlative: "large, larger, largest" and "small, smaller, smallest".
7
Repeat with each material: thick/thin (Brown Stair), long/short (Red Rods), tall/short and wide/narrow (cylinders).

Extensions, easiest to hardest

Ask the child to name the qualities of objects in the classroom (a long table, a thin book).
Ask the child to find the "longer" or "thicker" of two classroom objects.
Give the child a piece and ask them to bring one that is "thinner" from the stair.
Use the words in all three forms without the material in front of the child.

Control of error

The guide: the child's response in the second and third periods shows whether the word is known.

Ready to move on when the child…

Names both extremes of each quality in the third period
Uses comparative and superlative forms correctly
Uses dimension words spontaneously in conversation

Guide note

Teach one pair of words per lesson. With children learning English, the same format works for the home language if a family member supplies the words.