10+ Position Words Activities (On, Under, In, Behind) for Kids

Understanding position words is a key part of early language and thinking skills. Words like on, under, in, and behind help children describe where things are, follow instructions, and understand everyday conversations.

This guide explains why position words matter, when children typically learn them, and simple position words activities you can use at home, in classrooms, or during speech therapy sessions.

What Are Position Words?

Position words (also called spatial words or location words) describe where an object or person is in relation to something else.

Common early position words include:

• On – The book is on the table
• Under – The cat is under the chair
• In – The toy is in the box
• Behind – The ball is behind the sofa

Children hear these words many times a day, but understanding and using them correctly takes practice.

Why Position Words Are Important for Kids

Position words support more than just vocabulary. They help children build:

• Listening and comprehension skills
• Early sentence understanding
• Problem-solving and reasoning
• Pre-reading and math readiness
• Following directions in daily routines

For children with speech or language delays, position words are often a core therapy goal because they appear in so many instructions.

When Do Children Learn Position Words?

Most children start understanding basic position words between 2 and 4 years of age.

A general progression looks like this:

• 2–3 years: on, in
• 3–4 years: under, behind
• 4+ years: between, next to, above, below

Every child develops at their own pace. Difficulty with position words may mean a child needs more repetition and hands-on learning, not pressure.

How to Teach Position Words Effectively

The best way to teach position words is through real objects, movement, and everyday routines.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Use real-life examples, not only pictures
• Say the word clearly and repeat it often
• Show the action while saying the word
• Ask simple questions after modeling
• Keep activities short and playful

Position Words Activities for Kids (On, Under, In, Behind)

Below are practical, therapist-approved activities that work well for toddlers and preschoolers.

1. Toy Position Game

What you need:
A toy and a box, chair, or table

How to play:

• Put the toy on the box
• Move it in the box
• Hide it under the chair
• Place it behind the box

Say each sentence slowly:
“The teddy is under the chair.”

Ask the child to copy the action.

2. Everyday Directions Practice

Use position words during daily routines:

• “Put your shoes under the table.”
• “The spoon is in the bowl.”
• “Sit on the mat.”

This helps children understand that position words are part of real life, not just activities.

3. Hide and Find Activity

Hide a toy and give clues using position words:

• “It is behind the pillow.”
• “It is under the bed.”

Start by showing the location. Gradually move to verbal clues only.

4. Picture-Based Worksheets

Worksheets help reinforce learning after hands-on play. Good worksheets:

• Show clear images
• Focus on one position word at a time
• Ask children to circle, point, or match

Use worksheets as short practice, not the main teaching method.

Position Words Activities for Speech Therapy

Speech therapists often target position words to improve:

• Understanding of instructions
• Sentence comprehension
• Expressive language

Therapy activities may include:

• Following one-step and two-step directions
• Answering “Where is the ___?” questions
• Using position words in short sentences

Consistency across home and therapy sessions leads to faster learning.

Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid

• Teaching too many position words at once
• Relying only on worksheets
• Correcting too often instead of modeling
• Expecting correct use before understanding

Focus first on understanding, then on speaking.

Signs a Child May Need Extra Support

A child may benefit from extra practice or professional guidance if they:

• Do not follow simple position-based instructions
• Mix up words like in and on often
• Avoid activities involving directions
• Get frustrated during spatial tasks

Early support makes learning easier and more natural.

Conclusion

Position words activities work best when they are simple, playful, and part of daily life. By using real objects, clear language, and repetition, children learn to understand and use words like on, under, in, and behind with confidence. Whether at home, in school, or in therapy, consistent practice helps children build strong language foundations that support learning in every area.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are position words for kids?

Position words are words that explain where something is. Common position words for young children include on, under, in, and behind. These words help children describe locations and understand instructions in daily life, such as where to place toys or where objects are kept.

2. At what age should children learn position words?

Most children begin to understand basic position words between 2 and 4 years of age. Words like in and on usually come first, followed by under and behind. Some children may take longer, especially if they need more hands-on practice or language support.

3. Why are position words important for language development?

Position words help children understand directions, sentences, and questions. They support listening skills, early grammar, and problem-solving. These words are also important for school readiness, as teachers often use them during classroom instructions.

4. Are position words part of speech therapy?

Yes. Position words are a common goal in speech and language therapy. Therapists use them to improve a child’s ability to follow directions, understand sentences, and describe what they see. They are especially important for children with language delays.

5. How can I teach position words at home?

You can teach position words during everyday activities. Use toys, household items, and daily routines. Say the word clearly while showing the action, such as placing a toy in a box or under a chair. Repetition in real situations helps children learn faster.

6. Should I use worksheets to teach position words?

Worksheets can help children practice and review, but they should not be the main teaching method. Young children learn best through play and real objects. Worksheets work well after the child already understands the concept through hands-on activities.

7. Why does my child confuse “in” and “on”?

This is very common in toddlers and preschoolers. Position words describe abstract relationships, which take time to understand. Children need repeated examples and clear modeling before they use the words correctly. Confusion does not mean a serious problem.

8. How long does it take for children to master position words?

Learning position words happens gradually. With regular exposure and practice, many children improve over several months. Mastery depends on how often the words are used during play, routines, and conversation.

9. Can position words help with following directions?

Yes. Understanding position words helps children follow one-step and multi-step directions, such as “Put the book on the table” or “Place the toy under the chair.” This skill is important for home routines, school activities, and group learning.

10. When should I seek extra support for position words?

If a child consistently struggles to understand or use position words after age four, or gets frustrated during direction-based activities, extra support may help. A speech-language professional can guide families with structured, child-friendly strategies.