Unit Plan 11 (Grade K Social Studies): Position and Direction Words

Focus: Help children talk about where things are by practicing position words such as above, below, next to, behind, in front of, and near. Students use their own bodies, classroom objects, and simple maps to describe locations and begin to notice how we describe features around us at school and outside.

Grade Level: Kindergarten

Subject Area: Social Studies (Geography)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, children become “direction word experts” who practice using words that tell where things are. Through songs, movement, and simple map activities, they use position words like above, below, next to, behind, in front of, and near to describe objects in the classroom and features outside (like trees, playground, or sidewalks). By the end of the week, students can use position words to describe locations and simple routes in and around their classroom.

Essential Questions

• How do position words help us tell where things are?
• What does it mean when something is above, below, or next to something else?
• How can we use our bodies and classroom objects to show direction words?
• How do we use position words to tell someone how to get somewhere?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use common position words (above, below, next to, behind, in front of, near) to describe locations.
2. Show understanding of position words with their bodies and classroom objects (e.g., stand behind the chair).
3. Use simple classroom maps or pictures to describe where one place is in relation to another.
4. Name a few physical features at or near school (trees, hill, sidewalk) and describe them using basic position words.
5. Use position words to describe a simple route (e.g., from the door to the carpet or from the classroom to the playground).

Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (C3-based custom)

• K.C3.Geo.2 — Use simple maps, symbols, and position words to describe routes.
• K.C3.Geo.3 — Describe local physical features and weather patterns.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use words like above, below, next to, behind, and in front of to tell where things are.
• I can show position words with my body and with classroom objects.
• I can look at a picture or map and tell where one thing is compared to another.
• I can name some features near our school (like a tree or hill) and tell where they are using position words.
• I can tell a friend how to go from one place to another using position words.