What Are Position Words?
Position words tell us where something is. These include on, under, in, and out. Pre-K students use position words to describe where objects are placed. This helps build language, spatial awareness, and early math skills.
Common Position Words:
- On – The book is on the table.
- Under – The ball is under the bed.
- In – The toy is in the box.
- Out – The shoes are out of the closet.
Why Position Words Matter
Learning position words helps children talk about where things are. This supports clear communication, following directions, and understanding space and order—skills that are important in both reading and math.
- At home: Ask your child, “Where is your toy?” and encourage answers using position words.
- At school: Teachers use movement games, books, and objects to teach these words.
- In real life: Children use position words to follow directions like “Put it in your bag.”
How to Teach Position Words
Children learn position words by seeing, hearing, and using them every day. Real objects, songs, and picture books make it easier to understand these concepts through play and discovery.
Practice Tips:
- Play games like “Simon Says” using words like “on” and “under.”
- Use stuffed animals and place them in, on, or under things.
- Ask your child, “Where is it?” and help them answer with a position word.
Fun Ways to Practice Position Words
1. Toy Hide and Seek
Hide a toy under a chair or in a box. Ask your child to find it and describe where it was.
2. Use Songs and Stories
Sing action songs that use position words. Read books where characters go in and out or sit on something.
3. Build with Blocks
Place blocks on top of each other or put a small figure in a tower. Talk about where things are placed.
4. Draw It Out
Draw simple pictures together and label where things are: “The cat is on the mat.”
5. Real-Life Clean Up
Say, “Put the toy in the basket” or “Take the shoes out of the box.” Use the words during everyday routines.
Using Position Words in the Real World
- Books: “The bear is under the blanket.”
- Games: “Put your hand on your head.”
- Daily talk: “Put the fork in the drawer.”
Common Challenges with Position Words
Young children may mix up words or forget which one to use. Repeating and showing helps them learn better.
- Confusing terms: Saying “on” when they mean “under”
- Not using words yet: Pointing instead of saying “in” or “out”
- Following directions: Having trouble placing items where told
Focus Vocabulary: Position Words
- on – Resting on top (The cup is on the table)
- under – Below something (The dog is under the bed)
- in – Inside something (The pencil is in the box)
- out – Outside something (The ball is out of the bag)
Tips for Helping Your Child
- Play games using position words every day
- Use toys, boxes, and furniture to model positions
- Talk about where things are during daily tasks
- Read books and ask, “Where is it?” using pictures
- Celebrate progress with smiles and simple praise
Keep Practicing!
Position words help your child understand the world around them. With simple daily practice, they will grow more confident in describing where things are and following directions with ease.