Printable This or That Demonstratives Worksheet | Grade 1

This Grade 1 grammar worksheet helps students master demonstrative pronouns by distinguishing between "this" and "that" based on spatial distance. Students look at visual cues to determine if an object is near or far, then complete sentences to demonstrate correct pronoun usage.

At a Glance

• Grade: Grade 1 · Subject: English Language Arts
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1 — Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs in basic sentences
• Skill Focus: Demonstrative pronouns (this/that)
• Format: 1 page · 14 problems · Answer key not included · PDF
• Best For: Independent grammar practice and quick assessment
• Time: 10–15 minutes

The worksheet contains 14 fill-in-the-blank problems designed for early readers. The first 10 questions require students to write "This" or "That" at the start of a sentence, guided by arrows pointing to clear illustrations of everyday objects like cats, books, and cars. The final 4 questions reverse the task, prompting students to write the name of the shape shown at the end of the sentence.

Zero-Prep Workflow

This resource requires minimal teacher preparation. First, print the single-page PDF for your class, which takes less than one minute. Next, distribute the sheets to students for a quick 10-minute independent activity. Finally, review the answers as a whole group to check for understanding. Total teacher prep time is under two minutes, making this an ideal option for emergency sub plans or morning work.

Standards Alignment

This worksheet aligns directly with `CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1`, which focuses on demonstrating command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. It specifically targets the use of determiners and demonstratives to indicate spatial relationships. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

How to Use It

Use this worksheet during the independent practice portion of a grammar lesson on demonstratives. Alternatively, assign it as a quick exit ticket after direct instruction to gauge student understanding of near versus far concepts. Teachers can observe whether students struggle with the arrow lengths to identify spatial distance, providing a quick formative assessment. Expect completion within 10 to 15 minutes.

Who It's For

This resource is designed for first-grade students learning basic grammar conventions, as well as English language learners who need visual support to understand spatial pronouns. It pairs naturally with a shared reading passage that features repetitive sentence structures or an anchor chart showing near and far objects.

This educational resource targets the acquisition of demonstrative pronouns under the CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1 standard, focusing on the plain-English skill of using "this" and "that" to indicate physical proximity. Research from Fisher & Frey (2014) on the gradual release of responsibility emphasizes that structured, visually scaffolded worksheets help scaffold independent practice for early writers. By linking clear pictorial representations with varying arrow lengths, the worksheet reduces cognitive load for Grade 1 students, allowing them to focus on pronoun selection. This design aligns with evidence-based practices for vocabulary acquisition and grammar instruction in early childhood classrooms. Educators can confidently integrate this tool into daily ELA blocks to reinforce foundational language skills, track student progress, and support diverse learners who benefit from explicit visual cues during independent writing tasks.