Early spatial language

Quick answer

Learning outcome

• You can describe where your toys are using spatial words.
• You can follow instructions like “Put the toy under the bed” or “Put it beside the book.”
• You can explain how to move something using spatial words.
• You can play games that use spatial language.

Why this matters

• Reading and writing (like understanding “above” and “below” in stories)
• Maths (like understanding shapes, positions, and movement)
• Science (like understanding how things move and fit together)
• Everyday life (like knowing where to put your things or how to follow directions)

How it works

• Where something is compared to something else
• How something moves from one place to another
• Whether something is in front of, behind, or next to something else

1. Look at where one object is compared to another object
2. Use a word that describes the position or movement
3. Try to move or describe the action clearly

Examples you can see

• The bird is over the tree.
• The cat is over the sofa.

• The mouse is under the table.
• The ball is under the bed.

• The book is beside the lamp.
• The toy car is beside the dinosaur.

• The dog is between the two trees.
• The child is between her parents.

• The snake is around the tree.
• The child is around the playground.

• The train goes through the tunnel.
• The bird flies through the sky.

• The pencil is next to the eraser.
• The chair is next to the table.

Try it as a mini adventure

1. Find a toy and say where it is using over, under, beside, between, around, through and next to.
2. Give your parent or carer a clue using one of these words. For example: “The toy is under the bed.”
3. Guess where your parent or carer’s clue is pointing to.
4. Try to move an object from one place to another using spatial language.
5. Draw a picture of where you found your treasure using spatial words.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Saying “The book is on the table” instead of “The book is on the table.”
  Why it happens: Children often mix up spatial words with other words like “on” or “in.”
  Fix: Practice using the words “over, under, beside, between, around, through” and “next to” in sentences. Say them out loud with objects around you.
• Mistake: Confusing “beside” and “next to.”
  Why it happens: These words are very similar and can be used in the same situations.
  Fix: Explain that “beside” and “next to” both mean “next to” but “beside” is more often used in stories or drawings.
• Mistake: Not knowing which word to use when describing movement.
  Why it happens: Children are still learning how to describe movement in space.
  Fix: Use games like “Simon Says” where you give directions like “Move through the room” or “Go around the table.”

Parent and carer guide

• Using spatial words in everyday conversations, like “The cup is under the table” or “The bird is over the tree.”
• Playing games like “Simon Says” where you give spatial directions.
• Reading books that use spatial language, like “Where the Wild Things Are” or “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
• Letting your child help with tasks like putting away toys, using spatial words to describe where things go.
• Using real-life situations like “Put the toy between the two books” or “Move the ball around the room.”

• Don’t worry if your child doesn’t get it right away. It’s a skill that takes time.
• Make it fun with games, stories, or drawing.
• Encourage your child to describe where things are in their room or garden.
• Ask questions like “Where is the cat?” and let them answer with spatial words.

Practice questions

1. Where is the ball if it is under the bed?
2. Where is the bird if it is over the tree?
3. Where is the book if it is beside the lamp?
4. Where is the dog if it is between two trees?
5. Where is the train if it is through the tunnel?
6. Where is the chair if it is next to the table?
7. Where is the snake if it is around the tree?

1. The ball is under the bed.
2. The bird is over the tree.
3. The book is beside the lamp.
4. The dog is between two trees.
5. The train is through the tunnel.
6. The chair is next to the table.
7. The snake is around the tree.

FAQ

What is early spatial language?

Early spatial language is how we describe where things are and how they move in space using words like “over,” “under,” “beside,” “between,” “around,” “through,” and “next to.”

Why is it important for young children?

It helps children understand the world around them, improves reading and maths skills, and helps with problem-solving and communication.

How can I help my child learn these words?

You can use spatial words in everyday life, play games, read books, and ask your child to describe where things are in your home or garden.

Can I use these words in games?

Yes! You can play “Simon Says,” “Hide and Seek,” or make up stories using spatial words.

Are these words the same as directions?

Yes, they are! Spatial words help children understand directions and how to move from one place to another.