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Coding And Maths

ScratchJr maths: position words

Use ScratchJr-style projects for ages 5 to 7 to use above, below, left, right, near and far in simple games.

Quick answer

ScratchJr maths: position words help children learn where things are in space using words like above, below, left, right, near, and far. These words help children describe where objects are and how to move them in games and projects.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to describe where things are in a picture or game using position words like above, below, left, right, near, and far. You will also be able to use these words to tell a character in a ScratchJr project where to move. Success signs:
  • You can say where an object is using position words.
  • You can give clear instructions to move a character using position words.
  • You can play a simple game using position words to guide a character.
  • You can draw or build a scene with objects in different positions.

Why this matters

Position words help you understand where things are and how to move them. In ScratchJr, you use these words to tell characters where to go. This helps you learn to describe spaces, plan moves, and solve problems. These skills are useful in games, puzzles, maps, and even in real life when you are playing football or building with LEGO.

How it works

In ScratchJr, you use position words to tell a character where to go. Here’s how:
  1. Look at a picture or screen.
  2. Decide where an object is compared to another object.
  3. Use words like above, below, left, right, near, and far to describe the position.
  4. Use these words to move a character in a game or story.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are making a game where a cat is looking for a ball. You can use position words to tell the cat where the ball is. Example 1: The cat and the ball
  • The ball is under the table.
  • The ball is below the cat.
  • The cat is above the ball.
  • The ball is to the left of the cat.
  • The ball is to the right of the cat.
Example 2: A garden scene
  • The sun is above the flowers.
  • The bird is near the tree.
  • The butterfly is far from the bird.
  • The tree is to the right of the flowers.
  • The flowers are below the sun.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt in a forest. You have a map with clues. Each clue tells you where to go using position words.
  1. Start at the big tree.
  2. Go to the left of the tree.
  3. Find a rock above the tree.
  4. Go below the rock.
  5. Find a flower near the rock.
  6. Go to the right of the flower.
  7. Find the treasure under the flower.
Can you draw a map of this treasure hunt? Use arrows and position words to show where each clue leads.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Saying “The ball is under the cat” when the cat is above the ball.
    Why it happens: Confusing up and down.
    Fix: Use your hands to show where things are. Point up and down to help you understand the position.
  • Mistake: Saying “The ball is near the cat” when the ball is far away.
    Why it happens: Not understanding the difference between near and far.
    Fix: Use your arms to show how close or far something is.
  • Mistake: Using left and right incorrectly.
    Why it happens: Not knowing which side is left or right from your own view.
    Fix: Stand up and use your hands to show left and right. Say “This is left” and “This is right.”

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child learn position words in a few simple steps:
  • Look around your home and talk about where things are. For example, “The cup is above the plate.”
  • Play a game where you give your child directions using position words. “Go to the right of the couch.”
  • Use a map or drawing to show positions. Let your child describe where things are.
  • Try the treasure hunt game together. Ask your child to give you directions using position words.
  • Encourage your child to draw or build a scene using position words. Ask questions like “Where is the bird?” or “Where is the tree?”

Practice questions

  1. Where is the ball compared to the cat?
    Answer: The ball is below the cat.
  2. If a bird is above a tree, where is the tree?
    Answer: The tree is below the bird.
  3. Where is the flower compared to the sun?
    Answer: The flower is below the sun.
  4. If a toy is to the right of a book, where is the book?
    Answer: The book is to the left of the toy.
  5. Where is the dog compared to the cat if the dog is near the cat?
    Answer: The dog is near the cat.

FAQ

What are position words?
Position words tell us where something is in space. Examples include above, below, left, right, near, and far.

Why do we need to learn position words?
Position words help us describe where things are. This helps us understand space, give directions, and play games.

How can I practice position words at home?
You can look around your house and talk about where things are. You can also play games where you give each other directions using position words.

Can I use position words in ScratchJr?
Yes! You can use position words to tell characters in ScratchJr where to move. This helps make your projects more fun and clear.

What are some fun ways to learn position words?
You can play games, draw pictures, build with blocks, or go on a treasure hunt using position words. These activities make learning fun!