In, On & Under Position Mats — 8 Printable Prepositions Sorting Mats with 27 Object Cards for In, On and Under

Introduction

The Position Words Mats and Object Cards PDF Kit is a 14-page printable and screen-friendly resource designed for children learning to use position words in sentences. This kit features eight unique mats, each with a real-life photograph and clearly marked drop zones for words like on, under, in, next to, behind, and in front of. Children place object cards in the correct zone and practice saying full sentences, such as "The ball is under the table," making it ideal for early language learners, those with speech delay, autism, or AAC users.

Children practice following a position instruction as they interact with the mats and cards, developing the ability to say where objects are instead of only pointing. The kit supports measurable outcomes like using the same sentence frame with one word changing, building confidence in describing object locations, and reinforcing understanding of spatial concepts. Each activity encourages hands-on learning and verbal participation, helping children move from guided placement to independent sentence production.

At home, in classrooms, or during therapy sessions, these mats and cards offer flexible support for communication goals. Children can use them with a partner, in small groups, or one-on-one with an adult, making them perfect for speech therapy or special education settings. The resource also suits children who communicate by signs or AAC, as placing the card itself counts as a complete answer.

Product Details

• Resource Name: Position Words Mats and Object Cards PDF Kit
• Format: Printable and screen-ready PDF
• Total Pages: 14
• Grade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten, Early Elementary
• Designed For: Early language learners, speech delay, autism, AAC users
• Printing Notes: One complete activity per printed page; all cards and zones sized for easy matching
• Best Used In: Home, classroom, speech therapy, special education
• Sets: 8 position mats, 27 object cards, 5 blank cards
• Visuals / Illustrations: Landmark photographs, color-coded zones, model sentences on every mat

Educational Benefits

1. Spatial Language and Position Word Mastery

• Children gain confidence using spatial terms like on, under, in, next to, behind, and in front of.
• They practice describing locations with accuracy in full sentences.
• This hands-on approach builds a strong foundation for understanding spatial relationships.

2. Sentence Structure and Communication Skills

• Learners use the same sentence frame with one word changing, reinforcing grammar patterns.
• They practice saying complete sentences aloud, supporting expressive language growth.
• The primary_keyword helps children move from pointing to verbalizing where objects are.

3. Following Directions and Listening Comprehension

• Children listen to position instructions and respond by placing cards correctly.
• This activity strengthens their ability to process and follow multi-step directions.
• It supports attentive listening and builds essential classroom skills.

4. Visual Discrimination and Matching Abilities

• Matching object cards to the correct zones enhances visual scanning and attention to detail.
• Children learn to differentiate between similar objects and spatial placements.
• This process supports lsi_terms[4] and visual learning for all ability levels.

5. Inclusive Communication and AAC Support

• The kit is accessible for children using speech, signs, or AAC devices.
• Placing a card counts as a full answer, ensuring participation for all.
• Visual cues and model sentences make the activity supportive for diverse learners.

Instructions for Use

Step 1: Print and Prepare the Mats and Cards

• Print the mats and object cards on sturdy paper for repeated use.
• Cut out the object cards along the lines for easy handling.
• Laminate for durability if desired.

Step 2: Introduce the Position Words Mat

• Show the child a mat and point to each labeled zone.
• Name the position words, such as on, under, and next to, as you indicate each area.
• Explain that each word tells where something is.

Step 3: Select and Name an Object Card

• Choose an object card and name it together with the child.
• Encourage the child to say the object's name clearly.
• This step supports vocabulary and object identification.

Step 4: Give a Position Instruction

• Ask the child to place the object card in a specific zone, e.g., "Put the ball under the table."
• Use lsi_terms[0] naturally in your instruction for clear modeling.
• Repeat with different objects and positions for practice.

Step 5: Model and Practice the Sentence

• After placing the card, say the full sentence using lsi_terms[2], such as "The cat is next to the chair."
• Encourage the child to repeat the sentence as they place each card.
• Use the SAY IT AS IT LANDS model on the mat for support.

Step 6: Progress Along the Placing Ladder

• Start with guided placement, then prompt the child to place and say the sentence independently.
• Gradually encourage them to use the mats without prompts.
• Celebrate progress as they move to saying sentences without the mat.

Activities Using the Resource

1. Position Word Sorting Game

Objective: To build understanding of position words by sorting object cards onto the correct zones on each mat.

How to Play:

• Lay out a mat (e.g., the table) and spread several object cards.
• Say a position word (on, under, behind, etc.) and have the child place an object card in that zone.
• Encourage the child to say the full sentence as the card lands.

Skill Development:

• Increases spatial vocabulary through hands-on sorting.
• Reinforces sentence structure with repeated practice.
• Strengthens listening and direction-following skills.

2. Following Position Instructions Activity

Objective: To follow spoken instructions using the Position Words Mats and Object Cards PDF Kit.

How to Play:

• Give a clear instruction, such as "Put the teddy next to the chair."
• Child finds the teddy card and places it in the correct zone on the chair mat.
• Ask the child to repeat the instruction as a sentence.

Skill Development:

• Improves auditory processing and comprehension.
• Builds confidence in using the primary_keyword in context.
• Supports receptive and expressive language growth.

3. Make-Your-Own Object Card Challenge

Objective: To encourage creativity and reinforce position word concepts using custom cards.

How to Play:

• Provide a blank object card for the child to draw their own object.
• Have the child choose a mat and place their card in a chosen zone (e.g., in front of the box).
• Child says the sentence using the new object and position word.

Skill Development:

• Fosters creativity and personal connection to learning.
• Practices using position words with novel vocabulary.
• Enhances fine motor skills through drawing and placement.

4. AAC and Sign Language Placement Practice

Objective: To support inclusive communication by using the kit with AAC or sign language.

How to Play:

• Present a mat and object card to the child.
• Child places the card in a zone (e.g., under the bed) and responds using AAC or signs.
• Adult models the full sentence verbally or with signs.

Skill Development:

• Promotes equal participation for non-verbal communicators.
• Reinforces the primary_keyword through multiple modalities.
• Encourages turn-taking and communication exchange.

5. Visual Discrimination and Matching Race

Objective: To boost visual discrimination by quickly matching object cards to correct zones.

How to Play:

• Set a timer for one minute.
• Challenge the child to match as many object cards as possible to the correct zones on different mats.
• Each time, the child says the sentence aloud as they place the card.

Skill Development:

• Sharpens visual scanning and matching abilities.
• Encourages quick recall of position words.
• Develops focus and sustained attention.

6. Independent Sentence Creation Task

Objective: To promote independent use of position words in full sentences.

How to Play:

• Child selects any mat and object card without prompts.
• Places the card in any zone and creates a sentence describing its position.
• Adult checks for correct use of the position word and sentence structure.

Skill Development:

• Builds autonomy in language use.
• Practices flexible sentence construction.
• Reinforces understanding of spatial relationships.

Conclusion

Position Words Mats and Object Cards PDF Kit empowers early language learners, children with speech delay, autism, or AAC users to confidently describe where things are. By combining engaging visuals with hands-on placement, it helps children move from pointing to using clear, complete sentences in daily communication.

Children develop expressive language and sentence expansion skills as they practice following instructions and placing cards in the correct zones. The kit supports progress in lsi_terms[1] and visual discrimination, making it effective for home, classroom, and therapy settings.

Start building strong communication skills—download the Position Words Mats and Object Cards PDF Kit today and watch your child master spatial language and lsi_terms[4] with every interactive activity.