6 Fun Activities For Teaching Positional Words

Teaching positional words to young learners can be a delightful experience. Positional words, also known as prepositions, are essential vocabulary for understanding spatial relationships and directions.

 

 Positional words or directional words are vital for young children's development as they learn to navigate and describe their world. By incorporating engaging and interactive activities, educators and homeschool parents can make learning positional words enjoyable and effective. 

In this article, you will be able to explore six engaging activities that will help children grasp the concept of positional words while having fun. From exciting games to hands-on experiences, this guide will equip you with practical strategies to enhance children's spatial understanding.

Positional Words Made Fun: Interactive Activities For Kids

Before diving into the activities, it is important to ensure a clear understanding of positional words. Start by introducing basic positional words such as "up," "down," "in," and "out." Provide examples and encourage children to demonstrate the meaning using their bodies or objects around them. This interactive approach sets the stage for further learning.

Don't look any further if you're looking for positional word activities to teach your preschool, Pre-K or kindergarten students. I'm really excited to share my all-time favorite activities which incorporates a variety of activities, games, finger puppets, worksheets, physical activity about following directions, and digital Boom Cards centered on the concept of positional language

1. Benefits Of Using Fingerplays

 Fingerplays, also know as finger games, are interactive activities that are no-prep and they are a fun positional word activity that kids love. You can have them put fingers on top of their head, below their nose, over their mouth, etc.

 

Teaching positional words to young learners will add a dynamic and interactive element that can captivate them. The combination of movement, language, and sensory experiences promote engagement, comprehension, and retention of positional language.

2. Create Stick Puppets Or Sock Puppets

 I love using seasonal stick puppets and so do my students. You can copy any seasonal picture and let students color, cut, and glue pictures on Popsicle sticks to make stick puppets for enforcing positional language.

Invite students to hold the stick puppets and demonstrate different positions using the puppets. For example, they can move the puppet "above," "below," "in front of," or "behind" other objects.

3. Organize A Treasure Hunt

Arrange a treasure hunt in which children need to follow directional words to find hidden objects or clues. Give them a set of instructions, such as "Go under the table, then turn left and find the red box." This practice allows kids to actively listen, interpret, and apply positional words in a practical context, making learning intriguing and memorable.

4. Play Follow The Leader

In this activity, select a leader who will do various activities using positional language. The other students must follow and imitate the leader's actions, integrating the positional words mentioned. For example, the leader might say, "Jump over the line" or "Crawl under the table." This game encourages active listening, imitation, as well as comprehension of positional words using movement.

 

5. Incorporate Building Blocks

 Using props, toys, and sensory materials, such as building blocks, puzzles, or tactile objects, can help children visualize and explore different positions.

For example, educators can set up a small obstacle course where children have to navigate through tunnels, climb over blocks, or crawl under tables. By engaging your young students in interactive experiences, educators can provide them wit tangible and memorable learning opportunities.

6. Use Worksheets To Reinforce Positional Words

Worksheets are a valuable tool for reinforcing positional words in a structured and interactive manner. With this excellent positional words resource, you can effectively teach and reinforce positional language concepts while catering to different learning styles and preferences. Whether you're a teacher in a traditional classroom or a homeschooling parent, these engaging activities and worksheets will bring excitement and understanding to your student's learning journey.

Unlock the full potential of your teaching experience with this incredible positional words resource. Click on the image for the TpT Bundle that links to the 5 individual resources too.

 

 

 

 

Check out these reviews:

I have a K student who is really struggling with basic concepts.. this bundle has been so helpful in keeping her attention and giving her a great visual for each concept. Highly recommend!

-Alyssa A.

 

Thank you! BOOM cards are so easy to "prep" for, students love them, and informal assessment is simple Thank you!

 

-Kaylene H.

 

 

Using these 6 sets (150 task cards) of interactive and self-checking Digital Boom Cards, you will provide guidance to your students in comprehending and exercising positional words. They will use positional language to accurately depict the location of objects.

One more tip! Incorporate interactive questioning into teaching positional words by asking questions such as: Does your name go at the top or the bottom of the page? Do you begin writing on the left or right side of the page? Point to the middle of the page.

Encouraging students to respond and actively participate in these questions will deepen their understanding of positional language and reinforce their spatial awareness skills. Check out this list of positional words kids should understand:

• over
• between
• under
• below
• next to 
• close to
• far from
• near
• beside
• in
• out
• left
• right
• above

 

Other Ways To Teach Positional Words 

Consider the following tips to ensure the successful teaching of positional words.

 

1. Provide Visual Aids

 

Utilize visual representations, such as pictures or diagrams to enhance understanding. You can even try using toys! You can take any toy and a cup and teach positional words. For example, you can tell your students: "Can you put the car under the cup? Put the block behind the cup. Now put the car in the cup."

2. Use Exercise To Get Students Up And Moving

Incorporate physical activities that involve positional words to reinforce learning through kinesthetic experiences. You can have them stand up and sit down, jump beside their chair, or over a rope, move to the front or back of the room, etc.

3. Use Repetition

 Reinforce positional  words through frequent repetition in various contexts. Repeat the words consistently during activities and encourage children to use them in their own conversations.

4. Make It Relevant

Connect positional words to real-life events and everyday objects that children come across daily. Relate the terms to their surroundings, such as their bedroom, playground, or kitchen. For example, ask them to describe where their toys are stored or how they sit on a swing.

5.Celebrate Progress

Praise your students' correct usage of positional or directional words and provide positive reinforcement. Acknowledge and celebrate children's achievements to boost their confidence and motivation while you create a supportive atmosphere that fosters a love for learning.

 

 

Equip yourself with the tools you need to captivate young minds and provide them with a solid foundation in positional words. Your students will thrive as they navigate and describe their world using the power of language and spatial relationships.

 

Remember to infuse joy and excitement into the learning process to make it enjoyable and engaging. May you have a PIGARRIFIC day and all the best in your teaching journey!