Understanding Position and Direction
We often need to tell someone where an object is. We can use position words to describe its location.
For example, we can say that a book is on a table, a bag is under a chair, or a ball is inside a box.
Learning Objectives
- Understand simple position words.
- Use above and below correctly.
- Use inside and outside correctly.
- Understand near and far.
- Understand left and right.
Above and Below
When one object is higher than another object, we can say it is above it.
When one object is lower than another object, we can say it is below it.
●
The star is above the circle. The circle is below the star.
Inside and Outside
When something is within an object or area, it is inside. When it is not within that area, it is outside.
The first circle is inside the box. The second circle is outside.
Near and Far
When something is close to another object, we say it is near.
When something is a long distance away, we say it is far.
The first two objects are near each other. The last object is farther away.
Left and Right
We can also describe where something is by using left and right.
The star is to the right of the circle and to the left of the triangle.
Simple Direction
Direction words can also tell us where to move. For example, we can move left, move right, go forward or go back.
When following directions, listen carefully and look at the starting position before deciding where to go.
Common Mistakes
- Above and below describe vertical position.
- Inside and outside describe whether something is within an area.
- Near and far describe distance.
- Left and right depend on the position from which you are looking.
Practice
1. If a ball is under a chair, is it above or below the chair?
2. If a toy is in a box, is it inside or outside?
3. What is the opposite of near?
4. What is the opposite of above?
5. In the arrangement ● ★ ▲, what is to the left of the star?
Try It Yourself
Place a book on a table and a pencil under the table. Now describe where each object is.
Next, place a small object inside a box and another object outside the box. Describe their positions.
Quick Revision
- Above ↔ Below
- Inside ↔ Outside
- Near ↔ Far
- Left ↔ Right
Chapter Complete
You have completed Chapter 6 — Shapes and Space. You can now recognise common shapes, identify shapes in everyday objects and describe the position of objects using simple mathematical language.
In the next chapter, you will learn about Measurement. You will compare length, height, weight and capacity and use these ideas in everyday situations.