Where things are — Mathematics, 4–6 years
Words such as above, under, beside, inside and between tell where one thing is compared with another. A position depends on the objects and the viewpoint, not just on a picture.
Position words
Position words describe relationships: the teddy is inside the box, the cup is beside the plate, and the ball is under the chair. These words let someone else find or move an object. They describe where things are, rather than how big or colourful they are.
Why describe position?
Saying “the block” is not enough when there are several blocks. Position words solve the problem of giving clear directions: “Put the small block between the two cups” is much more useful. Builders, cooks and travellers all need such directions.
Between two cups
Place a red cup on the left and a blue cup on the right. Put a yellow block in the empty space between them. Now the yellow block is between the cups; the red cup is left of it, and the blue cup is right of it. Each statement uses the objects as reference points.
Left can change
Children often think “left” is a permanent label stuck to an object. It feels reasonable because a cup stays the same cup. But left and right depend on the viewer’s position: walk around the table and the cup may be on the other side, while “inside the box” stays true.
Directions in real life
You use position words when following a treasure map, placing a toy on a shelf, or telling someone where your shoe is. A clear direction names a reference and a relation, such as “under the table” or “next to the door”. If the viewpoint matters, say which way you are facing.
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