Did you know that learning words like “on,” “under,” and “behind” is a big part of kindergarten? These words, called positional words, help kids talk about where things are and build important thinking skills.
If you’ve heard the term but aren’t sure what it means or how to teach it, you’re not alone. Many parents and teachers wonder how to make these words stick.
This blog makes it easy. You’ll learn what positional words are, why they matter, and how to teach them using fun, hands-on ideas.
By the end, you’ll feel confident helping kids learn in a way that sticks.
Which simple word could open up a whole new way of thinking? Keep reading to find out.
What are Positional Words?
Positional words are words that tell us where something is. They help kids describe the location of objects in relation to other things.
Some examples are:
- on the table
- under the chair
- in the box
- behind the door
These words make it easier for children to follow directions and explain what they see around them.
How Positional Words are Different from Prepositions
Positional words are a type of preposition. But not all prepositions are positional words.
Positional words tell where something is.
Example: The toy is under the couch.
Prepositions can also tell when, how, or why.
Example: We went home after dinner. (after is not positional)
So, all positional words are prepositions, but not every preposition tells position.
Why These Words Matter for Kids
Positional words help kids understand space and direction. This is called spatial awareness. It’s a big part of how they follow instructions, solve puzzles, learn math and reading, and describe what they see.
When kids know how to use positional words, they build stronger language and thinking skills. It also helps them move through the world more confidently.
Common Positional Words for Kindergarten
Kids start with simple position words and gradually learn more detailed ones. These words help them explain where things are and understand directions better.
Basic Words
These are usually the first positional words kids learn. They’re used every day and are easy to show with real objects.
Examples:
- On: The cup is on the table.
- In: The ball is in the box.
- Under: The cat is under the chair.
- Above: The light is above the bed.
- Below: The shoes are below the bench.
You can use toys and boxes to show these during playtime or cleanup.
Intermediate Words
Once kids understand the basics, they can move on to more specific words that describe position in detail.
Examples:
- Beside: The backpack is beside the desk.
- Between: The child is between two chairs.
- In front of: The car is in front of the garage.
- Behind: The tree is behind the house.
- Near: The lamp is near the bed.
- Far: The kite is far from the house.
Use real-life examples to make these easier to understand. A classroom, bedroom, or park offers lots of chances to point them out.
These example sentences can be paired with simple drawings or photos to help kids connect the word with what they see. Adding visual aids makes learning faster and more fun.
Best Ways to Teach Positional Words
Teaching positional words works best when kids can see, hear, and move with the words. Using a mix of hands-on practice, games, and visuals helps make the meaning clear and fun to learn.
Use Real-Life Objects
Kids understand better when they can touch and see what you’re talking about. Use common items like:
- Toy animals and cars
- Boxes or bins
- Chairs and tables
Ask questions like:
- “Can you put the bear in the box?”
- “Where is the ball now? Is it under the chair?”
This makes learning feel like play.
Interactive Games and Activities
Games make learning positional words fun and memorable. Here are two simple ideas to try:
Hide and Seek with Objects
Hide toys around the room. Give clues using positional words:
“Look behind the couch!” or “Check under the table.”
Simon Says with Positional Prompts
Play a version of Simon Says using directions like:
“Simon says, put your hands on your head.”
“Simon says, stand in front of your chair.”
These games help kids hear and use the words in action.
Classroom Songs and Videos
Songs are a great way to help kids remember positional words. They add rhythm, movement, and fun.
Here are the top 5 YouTube resources for teaching positional words to kindergarteners, complete with links:
“Here We Go” by Jack Hartmann
A fun dance song that shows kids how to act out each positional word.“Move to the Words: Up and Down” by Jack Hartmann
Focuses on opposites like up/down and near/far with clear movements.“Exercise with your Toys | Learn positional words | Indoor Lightyear Workout for Kids” by Miss Linky
Uses simple animations and clear examples to show in, on, and under.
These videos are engaging and educational, making them excellent tools for helping young children grasp positional concepts through music and movement.
Visual Aids and Anchor Charts
Posters, charts, and drawings help kids see the meaning of each word. You can:
- Make simple drawings that show objects in different positions
- Create an anchor chart with all the words and pictures
- Use flashcards with images and labels
Hang them on the wall or use them during circle time. This keeps the words fresh in kids’ minds every day.
Positional Word Worksheets and Printables
Worksheets and printables give kids a chance to practice what they’ve learned in a hands-on way. They’re perfect for centers, small groups, or take-home work.
Tips for Making Your Own
Creating your own worksheets can be simple and fun. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Use familiar objects like chairs, boxes, toys, and animals in your pictures.
- Keep instructions short and clear. Use phrases like “Color the ball under the chair.”
- Include a mix of tasks like matching, circling, drawing, and coloring.
- Add visual cues to support early readers. Pictures help kids understand what to do.
- Use large print and plenty of space for writing or coloring.
You can design these using free tools like Google Slides, Canva, or Microsoft Word.
How to Use Worksheets in Groups or Centers
Worksheets work well when used in a group setting or a classroom center. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Set up a themed center with clipboards, crayons, and position-related toys.
- Use peer support. Pair stronger learners with those who need extra help.
- Keep it short and focused—one or two worksheets at a time is plenty for young kids.
- Review the words before starting to refresh their memory.
- Talk through the answers after. This helps reinforce learning and clears up confusion.
These worksheets turn learning into a quiet, focused activity while reinforcing key skills.
Top 10 Picture Books for Teaching Positional Words
Reading picture books is a fun and easy way to teach positional words. Stories help kids connect words with real-life situations, and pictures make it easier to understand.
Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
A hen takes a walk around the farm, introducing words like over, under, and around.We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
A family adventure through different terrains teaches over, under, and through.Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres
A colorful garden-themed book that explores up, down, and around.The Berenstain Bears: Inside, Outside, Upside Down by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Brother Bear explores position words like inside, outside, and upside down.Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
A lift-the-flap story that uses under, behind, and inside as kids search for Spot.Above and Below by Patricia Hegarty
Explores nature and habitats using the words above and below.Over, Under and Through by Tana Hoban
Uses real-life photos to show spatial concepts like over, under, and through.Inside, Outside, Upside Down by Yasmeen Ismail
A creative activity book that encourages exploration of opposites and positions.The Line Up Book by Marisabina Russo
A boy lines up toys around the house, teaching next to, in front of, and behind.Bear in a Square by Stella Blackstone
Combines shapes and positional words like inside, outside, and around.
These books are excellent resources for teaching young children about positional words in an engaging and interactive manner.They are readily available for purchase in the U.S. on Amazon.
Real-Life Applications in Daily Routines
The best way to teach positional words is by using them in everyday moments. Clean-up time, snack time, and playtime are full of chances to reinforce these words without needing a formal lesson.
During clean-up, ask kids to:
- Put the toys in the bin
- Slide the chair under the table
- Place the book on the shelf
Snack time is another great chance. Say things like:
- “Your cup is beside your plate.”
- “The napkin is under the spoon.”
Questions to reinforce understanding:
- “Where is your toy now?”
- “Can you put the block between the cars?”
- “What’s in front of your chair?”
Using these simple questions throughout the day keeps learning active and natural.
Teaching Tips and Common Pitfalls
Teaching positional words works best when it’s simple, clear, and repeated often. These tips help you stay on track and avoid common mistakes.
1. Keep it consistent and repetitive.
Use the same words often. Repeat them in different settings—at school, home, or outside. Kids learn best through hearing and doing over and over.
2. Avoid abstract examples for beginners.
Start with real objects that kids can see and touch. Saying “The sun is above the clouds” is harder to understand than “The toy is under the chair.”
3. Use body movements to reinforce learning.
Ask children to move their bodies in ways that match the words:
- “Stand behind your chair.”
- “Put your hands on your head.”
- “Sit in the box.”
These actions make the words stick.
Adapting for Diverse Learners
Every child learns differently. A few small changes can make positional word lessons more inclusive and easier for everyone.
Modifications for ESL students:
- Use pictures and gestures along with words
- Say each word slowly and clearly
- Show examples before asking kids to try
- Repeat words often in the same context
Inclusive methods for learners with special needs:
- Use textured or high-contrast visuals
- Keep directions simple and step-by-step
- Offer choices with clear visuals (e.g., “Do you want to go under the tunnel or over the bridge?”)
- Give extra time and praise for each success
These small shifts can make learning more comfortable and effective
How to Assess Understanding
You don’t need a test to know if a child understands positional words. Simple checks during play and conversation can show you what they’ve learned.
Simple Assessments:
Ask the child to follow a direction like “Put the teddy bear on the chair.”
Give them a toy and ask them to place it in, under, or behind something.
Observation Checklists:
- Note when a child correctly follows positional commands
- Track which words they use or respond to without help
- Check if they can both follow and give directions using the words
Interactive Q&A Activities:
- Show a picture and ask, “Where is the cat?”
- Play a game where the child gives you directions using positional words
- Do a classroom walk-and-talk: “What’s in front of the whiteboard?” Then have them describe it in a full sentence to check understanding.
For more on how to help kids build full sentences, check out our guide on understanding basic sentence structure.
These informal methods make it easy to see progress and guide your next steps.
Conclusion
Teaching positional words in kindergarten is more than just learning where things are; it builds thinking, speaking, and listening skills that kids use every day.
Now that you know what these words are and how to teach them, try using them during clean-up, play, or storytime. Small moments can make a big impact.
Remember, real-life examples and simple activities are the best way to help kids understand and remember these words. Keep it fun, repeat often, and watch how quickly they learn.
Curious about more ways to support early learning at home or in the classroom? Check out our other blogs for more easy tips and activities that make learning stick.
