LA 1.04Spatial Words Game

1. 1

   Bring the chair to an open space and lay the rug beside it. Invite one child or a small group.

2. 2

   Stand on the rug and say, "I am on the rug." Step off and say, "Now I am beside the rug."

3. 3

   Stand behind the chair and say, "I am behind the chair." Put a hand under the seat: "My hand is under the chair."

4. 4

   Invite the child to stand on the rug. Name the position as the child moves: "You are on the rug."

5. 5

   Give one direction at a time: "Stand behind the chair." "Sit beside the rug." "Put your hand under the chair." Wait for the child to move.

6. 6

   Use only two or three new words in one lesson. When the child moves correctly without watching you, ask, "Where are you?"

7. 7

   Put the chair and rug back together.

What catches the child’s eye

• Their own body as the thing being placed
• Reaching a hand under the chair seat
• Giving the directions to the adult and watching the adult move

Extensions, easiest to hardest

1. Placing a beanbag on, under, beside, and behind the chair as the guide directs
2. The child gives position directions to the guide or a friend
3. Adding in front of, between, and inside
4. Two-part directions ("Walk around the rug and sit beside the chair.")