---
title: "Positional Language"
description: "Describe the position of objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, next to"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/positional-language-mt_qeZYF6HZ4o
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/positional-language-mt_qeZYF6HZ4o.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Positional Language

Describe the position of objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, next to

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Geometry · Ages 4 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/positional-language-mt_qeZYF6HZ4o

## Ready when they can

- Describe a toy as being 'on top of' the table
- Follow instructions like 'put the cube behind the box'
- Use 'left' and 'right' in simple contexts
- Use above, below, beside and next to to describe where things sit
- Tell in front of from behind in simple contexts

## Lesson: Describing where things are

Position words help you find your toys and tell others where to look. Above means higher up. On top of means resting on the top of something. A book on a box is above the box and on top of it. Below means lower down. Beside and next to mean close by.

*(drawing: One word in this sentence tells you where the cat sits. It is beside.)*

**Example.** Mia's ball sits above the shelf. Her shoes sit below the bed. Her cat sits beside her chair.

In front of you is the side you face. Behind you is at your back. A plain box has no front of its own, so we use the viewer's side: the near side from you is in front of the box, the far side is behind it. Your right side is the side your right hand is on. Your left side is the other side.

**Example.** Dad says put the cup in front of the plate. Sam puts it there, not behind the plate.

**Recap.** Position words tell where things are, like above, below, or behind.

## Practice

16 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Opens up

- [Early Maths Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/early-maths-vocabulary-mt_lMz9nAs7VO)
- [Position, direction, and movement](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/position-direction-and-movement-mt_TdV9YGJEoY)
- [Parallel and perpendicular lines](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/parallel-and-perpendicular-lines-mt_u23IGDxOpk)
- [Turns & Directions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/turns-and-directions-mt_Y9XKzLrUAZ)