Learning Basic Concepts Through Opposites

Enrichment Therapies

January 30, 2017

group of students sitting at a table

Basic concepts are words a child needs to know in order to follow directions, participate in routines, and engage in conversation. A child needs to know basic concepts in order to be successful in reading, writing, and math. Basic concepts are words that depict location, number, descriptions, time, and feelings.

Basic concepts often occur in pairs also known as opposites. These basic concept pairs are the most important for a child to know in order to be successful in preschool and kindergarten: Location:
  • In/Out
  • On/Off
  • Up/Down
  • Top/Bottom
  • Behind/In Front
  • Outside/Inside
  • Over/Under
  • High/Low
  • Forward/Backward
  • Above/Below
Feeling:
  • Happy/Sad
Number:
  • More/Less
  • All/None
Description:
  • Full/Empty
  • Big/Little
  • Open/Closed
  • Sharp/Dull
  • Hot/Cold
  • Fast/Slow
  • Hard/Soft
  • New/Old
  • Thick/Thin
  • Smooth/Rough
  • Heavy/Light
  • Same/Different
  • Loud/Quiet
  • Tall/Short
Time:
  • First/Last
  • Before/After
  • Old/Young
Help your child learn basic concepts by:
  • Usedescriptive words when talking to your child. Describeeverything you see and hear in your environment.
  • When describing an object or action use descriptive concepts. Instead of using the word big just because you know your child understands it, use the word huge to expose your child to new words.
  • When talking about location, try not to show yourchild by pointing. Use location concepts (i.e.,below, in front).
  • UseWh questions and answers. Where encourages a response that uses location concepts(i.e., behind, under). When encourages a response that uses time concepts (i.e., before, later).
Helpful iPad application:
  • Zola Opposites:a $.99 applicationhelpschildren distinguish opposite words through 70 awesome picture cards.

Have fun learning basic concepts with your child!


Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in the Iowa City, IA area and Des Moines, IA area. We provide individual speech-language therapy and tutoring as well as offering small group academic programs. At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center our passion is to help kids achieve effective communication skills and gain academic success. Contact us for more information on how we can help your child succeed.

info@enrichmenttherapies.com

740 Community Drive, Unit A

North Liberty, IA 52317

319-626-2553

infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com

5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300

Johnston, IA 50131

515-419-4270

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