X Tables
Early Years Maths

Positional language games

Use obstacle courses and toys to practise describing position.

Quick answer

Positional language games help children learn and use words like "above", "below", "beside", "between", "in front of", and "behind" to describe where things are in space.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to describe where objects are in relation to each other using positional words, and you will know how to play games that use these words. Success signs:
  • You can say where your toys are using words like "above" or "beside"
  • You can follow instructions like "put the ball under the chair"
  • You can build a simple obstacle course using positional language
  • You can play a game where you have to find hidden objects using positional clues

Why this matters

Positional language helps you understand space and how things relate to each other. It is important for maths because it helps you understand shapes, directions, and how to follow instructions. In everyday life, it helps you know where to put your toys, how to get around safely, and how to play games with friends. When you learn positional language, you are also learning to think logically and use words clearly.

How it works

Positional language is about describing where things are. You can use words like:
  • Above – something is higher up
  • Below – something is lower down
  • Beside – something is next to
  • Between – something is in the middle of two other things
  • In front of – something is at the front
  • Behind – something is at the back
You can practice these words with toys, books, or anything around you. The more you use them, the easier it becomes to understand where things are.

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of how to use positional language:
Object Position How to describe it
Book On the table The book is on the table
Ball Under the chair The ball is under the chair
Cat Next to the dog The cat is beside the dog
Bird Between two trees The bird is between the trees
Car In front of the house The car is in front of the house
Bicycle Behind the garden shed The bicycle is behind the garden shed
Try this with your toys or things around your room. For example:
  • Put a toy car under your bed
  • Put a book beside your pillow
  • Put a toy dinosaur between two chairs

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt in your house. Here are the clues to find your treasure:
  1. Look for the treasure under the dining table
  2. It is beside the red cushion
  3. It is behind the big plant
  4. It is in front of the bookshelf
  5. It is above the shoe rack
Can you find the treasure? Use your positional words to help you move around and find it. When you find it, tell a grown-up how you used the words to find it.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Using "in front of" when you mean "beside"
    Why it happens: Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between "in front of" and "beside"
    Fix: Think of it like this: if you are standing in front of your friend, you are in front of them. If you are standing next to your friend, you are beside them.
  • Mistake: Saying "under" when you mean "below"
    Why it happens: These words sound similar and can be confused
    Fix: "Under" is for things that are under something, like a ball under a chair. "Below" is for things that are lower down, like a bird below a tree.
  • Mistake: Not using positional words at all
    Why it happens: It can be hard to think of the right word
    Fix: Practice with your toys and ask a grown-up to help you think of the right words

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child learn positional language by:
  • Playing simple games like "Where is my toy?"
  • Using positional words when you talk to your child
  • Letting your child describe where things are in the house
  • Building a simple obstacle course with toys or furniture
  • Reading books that use positional language, like "Where is the Bear?"
How to help in 5 minutes:
  1. Ask your child to point to things in the room using positional words
  2. Play a quick game where you hide a toy and give clues
  3. Draw a simple picture and ask your child to describe where things are
  4. Use positional words when you are cooking or cleaning
  5. Encourage your child to tell you where they put their toys
What not to worry about:
  • It's okay if your child gets confused at first
  • Practice makes progress
  • Don't expect perfect answers right away

Practice questions

  1. Where is the toy car if it is under the table?
  2. Where is the ball if it is beside the chair?
  3. Where is the bird if it is between two trees?
  4. Where is the bike if it is behind the shed?
  5. Where is the book if it is in front of the sofa?
Answers:
  1. Under the table
  2. Beside the chair
  3. Between two trees
  4. Behind the shed
  5. In front of the sofa

FAQ

What are positional words?

Positional words are words that tell us where something is. Examples are "above", "below", "beside", "between", "in front of", and "behind".

How can I help my child learn positional language?

You can use everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, or playing. Ask your child to describe where things are. Play games like "Where is my toy?" or build obstacle courses.

Why is positional language important?

It helps children understand space, follow instructions, and learn more advanced maths like shapes, directions, and maps.

Can I use positional language in games?

Yes! You can play games like "Simon Says" where you use positional words, or make up treasure hunts with clues using these words.

How do I know if my child understands positional language?

If your child can describe where things are using words like "above" and "beside", and can follow instructions using these words, they understand positional language.