Directional and Positional Words

Directions provide assistance in pointing out the proper route. Position defines placement or arrangement in an order (e.g. first, second, third). Knowledge about directional or positional words enhances a child’s ability to give and follow directions as well as to speak precisely. One of the skills a child should master in kindergarten is the ability to describe the location of an object using positional or directional words.

The following are examples of positional or directional words:

above after around before beginning behind below beside

between bottom down end far finish front in inside

left middle near next to off on out outside over

right start through top under up upside down

Many of the these words are sight words. 60% or 20 of the above words are incorporated in our sight words game. Click here for a worksheet that focuses on positional words.