There is simply no stopping "Zipping, Zooming Zoe," who just happens to be the "Greatest Gymnast of All." She's up, then down, on the mat, then off, over the hoop, then under.
Recognizing opposites helps children develop the spatial sense necessary for the development of geometry concepts.
Illustrated by Cynthia Jabar.
As you read the story together, ask your child (or students) about Zoe's positions. For example, "Where is Zoe?" "Is Zoe on the matt, or off the matt?" "Is Zoe over the hoop, under the hoop, or inside the hoop?"
Introduce the concept of opposites. Explain that “near” (up close) and “far” (way, way in the distance) is an example of a pair of opposites. Then ask, “If I say big, what is the opposite?”If I say wide, what is the opposite?” If I say over, what is the opposite?” “Can you think of some more pairs of opposites?”
Play the Opposite Game! When your are at the playground with your child (or class), ask, “Where’s the top of the slide? Where’s the bottom?” “Who is running fast? Who is walking slow?” “What is the tallest object on the playground?” (It might be a tree!) “What is shortest object on the playground? (It might be a blade of grass!)