Using positional and proportional language
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the position of an object using the correct vocabulary.
Key learning points
- Most positional words describe where an object is in relation to one other position.
- In between describes where an object is in relation to two other positions.
Keywords
Above/below - Above shows the position of an object is higher than something else. Below shows that it is lower.
Over/under/on - Over/under shows the position of something is directly above/beneath something else. On shows that it is sitting on top of something else.
In front/behind - In front shows the position of an object is further forward than something else. Behind shows that it is further back.
Between - Between describes the position of an object being in the space separating two other objects.
Common misconception
Children may confuse some of the terms such as 'below' and 'between'.
Create visuals to display which will prompt children to think about the meaning of each word. Give opportunities to explore these words in play, for example when building with blocks ask children to place the red block above the green block.
Teacher tip
Look for additional opportunities for children to explore positional language in their daily routines and within their own environment, for example 'put the book on the shelf above the toys'. Other subjects such as PE and computing can also be a helpful context to explore positional language.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which direction is the arrow pointing?
Q2.True or false. This arrow is pointing to the left.
Q3.Match the parts of the sentences.
left
right
Q4.In which direction are the arrows pointing?
down
up
Q5.Which directions would help Pedro to find his family?
Q6.Order the instructions that the mouse will take to find the cheese.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which image shows that Pedro is under something else?
Q2.Where is Pedro?
Q3.Match the parts of the sentence to show the position of the toys.
above the car
below the rocket
below the robot
above the ball
Q4.Match the letter with the position of the frog,
in front of the log
on the log
behind the log
Q5.Which is correct?
Q6.Where is the car?
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Using positional and proportional language, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Using positional and proportional language, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Position and direction including fractions of turns unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.