Position Words Worksheets

About Our Position Words Worksheets

Position words, also known as prepositions, are words that describe the location, direction, or spatial relationship between objects or elements within a sentence. These words help provide context and clarity in written and spoken language, allowing us to understand where things are in relation to one another.

Common position words that this collection of worksheets tackles include:

• Above: Higher than or over something else.
• After: Denotes something that occurs later or follows another event, action, or position in time or order. It suggests that the referenced event or action takes place subsequent to the point of reference.
• Before: Generally refers to something that occurs earlier or precedes another event, action, or position in time or order. It implies that the referenced event or action happens prior to the point of reference.
• Below: Lower than or under something else.
• Beside: Next to or at the side of something.
• Between: In the middle of two or more things.
• Bottom: The lowest part of an area.
• In front of: Located ahead or before something else.
• Behind: Located at the back or in the rear of something else.
• Near: Close to or a short distance away from something.
• Next To: They are so close that they are almost touching or are touching each other.
• Far: A long distance away from something.
• Inside: Contained within or enclosed by something.
• Outside: Not within or beyond the boundary or limits of something.
• On: Positioned above and in contact with a surface.
• Over: When something is positioned above another object.
• Top: The highest part of an area.
• Under: Positioned below or beneath something else.

Teaching Position Words

Teaching position words to children is essential for developing their spatial awareness, vocabulary, and communication skills. Activities such as reading stories that incorporate position words, playing games that involve following directions using position words, or engaging in hands-on activities where children manipulate objects based on position word instructions can help reinforce their understanding of these terms. Worksheets that focus on identifying and using position words in various contexts can also be beneficial for strengthening children’s grasp of these concepts.

Make Learning Active

Use everyday objects and toys to demonstrate position words. For example, you could place a toy above, below, or next to a table and ask the child to describe where it is. Make learning fun by incorporating actions. For example, you could ask children to stand ‘in front of’ or ‘behind’ a certain spot or to put something ‘under’ a chair.

Use storybooks that involve a lot of position words. As you read, point to the illustrations and ask questions like, “Where is the cat? Is it on the roof or under the table?” Use playground equipment to teach these words. For example, a child can climb up and down the ladder or slide, swing back and forth on the swings, or go through a tunnel. Encourage children to draw pictures incorporating position words. They can draw a bird ‘above’ a tree, a fish ‘in’ the water, etc.

Many children’s songs and rhymes incorporate position words. This can make learning fun and easy to remember. Use position words frequently in your daily conversation with kids. For example, “Put your shoes under the bed” or “The book is on the table”.