Position and Direction

For Elementary Students

What Are Position Words?

Position words tell you where something is or which direction to go.

Think about it like this: If you're giving directions to find your room, you'd say "upstairs, second door on the left" — those are position words!

Basic Position Words

Left and Right

Left ← this way (point with your left hand)

Right → this way (point with your right hand)

Tip: Make an "L" with your left hand (thumb and pointer finger). The one that looks like a real "L" is your left hand!

Example:

• The pencil is to the left of the book
• The window is on the right side of the door

Above and Below

Above = higher up ↑ (think: above your head)

Below = lower down ↓ (think: below your feet)

Example:

• The clock is above the door
• Your shoes are below the desk

In Front and Behind

In front = ahead of, facing you

Behind = back side, not visible if you're looking forward

Example:

• The teacher stands in front of the class
• The backpack is behind the chair

Between

Between = in the middle of two things

Example:

• The number 5 is between 4 and 6
• You sit between your two friends

Next to (Beside)

Next to or beside = right at the side, touching or very close

Example:

• The lamp is next to the bed
• Sit beside me

Inside and Outside

Inside = within something, contained

Outside = not inside, beyond the boundary

Example:

• The toys are inside the box
• The dog is outside the house (in the yard)

For Junior High Students

More Position Terms

On Top Of

On top of = resting on the upper surface

Example:

• The book is on top of the table
• The hat is on top of your head

Under (Beneath)

Under or beneath = directly below, covered by

Example:

• The cat is hiding under the bed
• The treasure is beneath the sand

Across From (Opposite)

Across from or opposite = facing each other, on the other side

Example:

• The library is across from the school
• Sit opposite your partner

Near and Far

Near = close by, a short distance

Far = distant, a long distance away

Example:

• The park is near my house (I can walk there)
• The ocean is far from here (many miles away)

Directions: North, South, East, West

On a map or compass:

• North ↑ (top)
• South ↓ (bottom)
• East → (right)
• West ← (left)

Memory trick: Never Eat Soggy Waffles (clockwise from North: N, E, S, W)

Example:

• Canada is north of the United States
• Florida is in the south

Using Multiple Position Words

You can combine position words for precise locations!

Example: "The ball is in the box, on the top shelf, to the right of the door."

This gives very specific information!

Position on a Grid

When describing position on a coordinate grid, we use:

• Horizontal position (left-right): x-coordinate
• Vertical position (up-down): y-coordinate

Example: Point (3, 5)

• 3 units to the right of zero
• 5 units above zero

We will learn more about coordinates later.

Spatial Relationships in Geometry

Understanding position helps with geometry:

Example:

• Point B is above point A
• Line segment CD is to the left of line segment EF
• Triangle ABC is inside circle O

Following Directions

Example: "Start at the door. Walk forward 5 steps. Turn right. Walk 3 more steps. Where are you?"

You need to understand:

• Forward (in front)
• Right (direction)
• Steps (distance)

Giving Clear Directions

When giving directions, use:

1. Starting point ("From the school...")
2. Direction ("Go north...")
3. Distance ("...for two blocks...")
4. Landmarks ("...until you see the library...")

Example: "From your desk, walk to the left, past the bookshelf, to the door."

Real-Life Uses

Maps: Finding locations using north, south, east, west

Treasure hunts: "Take 3 steps forward, turn right, look under the table"

Sports: "The ball is to the left of the goal"

Building: "Put the shelf on the wall above the desk"

Organizing: "The math books go on the top shelf, left side"

Practice