Unit Plan 5 (PreK Math): Position Words & Play
Use positional words (in, on, under, next to, behind) to describe and model where objects are; follow and give simple directions through play, maps, and hands-on activities.
Focus: Practice describing where objects are using in, on, under, next to, and behind during playful, hands-on activities and simple map/model tasks.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Mathematics (Geometry—Positional Words)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Children explore where things are in space through songs, stories, and guided play. Using toys, photos, and classroom objects, they practice saying and showing in, on, under, next to, and behind, and begin to follow and give simple positional directions in centers and a mini “map” activity.
Essential Questions
- How do words like in, on, under, next to, and behind tell where something is?
- How can I show a position with objects, drawings, or a simple map?
- What words help me explain or follow directions about where things are?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify and use the positional words in, on, under, next to, and behind to describe where objects are.
- Follow simple positional directions with manipulatives (e.g., “Put the cube on the mat”).
- Create or act out positions during play, then tell where items are using positional words.
- Model a simple classroom scene with toys or a quick sketch/map and label positions.
Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten
- PK.G.2 — Use positional words to describe location. Describes where an object is (in, on, under, next to, behind; may include in front of/above/below with support). Follows simple directions and gives simple directions to peers. (Aligns to K.G.1—position language)
- MP.4 — Model with mathematics. Represents positions with objects, photos, or simple maps and uses words to connect model to real items.
- (Optional connection in centers) PK.G.4 — Build & draw simple shapes. Uses sticks, clay, or drawing tools to make shapes; can use shapes to mark positions on a map. (Aligns to K.G.5)
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can say where something is using in, on, under, next to, or behind.
- I can follow a direction and show the position with objects or a drawing.
- I can make a small model or map and tell where things are.