Presentation

  1. 1

    Place the animal on top of the box: 'The cat is on the box.'

  2. 2

    Move it under the box, beside the box, in front of, and behind, naming each.

  3. 3

    Three-period lesson with on, under, and beside, then the rest.

  4. 4

    The guide gives directions: 'Put the cat behind the box.'

  5. 5

    The child describes where the guide has placed the animal.

  6. 6

    Play with the child's own body: 'Stand next to the chair.'

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Describe where things are in the classroom (the clock is above the door).
  2. Reading children follow position word cards.
  3. Draw a picture following spoken position directions.

Control of error

The guide checks placement and word use during the game.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Follows directions using six or more position words
  • Describes the position of an object in the room correctly

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.