This or That? Cut and Paste Worksheet for Early Learners
Sorting objects into 'this' and 'that' categories helps children ages 3-5 connect an abstract grammar concept to something they can physically place and see, reinforcing the idea that these words describe relative closeness rather than a fixed rule. This early categorization practice also builds general sorting and decision-making skills that extend well beyond grammar itself.
Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Talk with your child about the meaning of 'this' (something close by) and 'that' (something farther away) using real objects in the room as quick examples. Have them cut out the pictures at the bottom of the page along the dotted lines. For each picture, ask your child to imagine whether that object would be near or far in a given scene, then decide which box it belongs in. Guide them to glue each picture into the correct 'this' or 'that' box, then review the finished page together, saying each object's name with its matching word.
Materials needed
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil
Extension activities
- •Point to nearby and faraway objects around the house and practice describing them with 'this' and 'that.'
- •Set up a simple sorting game using real toys placed close by versus across the room.
- •Play a guessing game where you describe an object using only 'this' or 'that' as a clue and your child finds it.
- •Have your child draw one object that would be a 'this' and one that would be a 'that' from their own perspective.
- •Practice the words during daily routines, like handing over 'this' spoon versus pointing to 'that' cup on the shelf.
Tips for parents and teachers
Since 'this' and 'that' depend entirely on the speaker's position, use hands-on demonstration rather than abstract explanation whenever your child seems confused. If cutting the pictures is difficult, focus your support there so the sorting decision remains your child's own thinking. Reinforce the concept casually throughout the day, since everyday repetition solidifies grammar concepts more effectively than worksheet practice alone.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.
Published · Last reviewed
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