Above, Below and Under

Ages 3–5 · 11 minutes · Math, English

Go fetch! Is the poodle’s ball below or above the bush?

Students will practice positional words "above," "under" and "below" by taking the poodle for a trip to the park and helping it fetch the ball

Part of

Location Words

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
ELD-SI.K-3.Inform — Multilingual learners will… • Define and classify objects or concepts • Describe characteristics, patterns, or behavior • Describe parts and wholes • Sort, clarify, and summarize ideas • Summarize information from interaction with others and from learning experiences
ELD-SI.K-3.Narrate — Multilingual learners will… • Share ideas about one's own and others' lived experiences and previous learning • Connect stories with images and representations to add meaning • Ask questions about what others have shared • Recount and restate ideas • Discuss how stories might end or next steps

Alabama

ELA21.K.6 — Uses spatial and temporal concepts correctly.
MA19.K.18 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as _above, below, beside, in front of, behind,_ and _next to._
ELA21.K.17 — With guidance and support, orally utilize new academic, content-specific, grade-level vocabulary and relate new words to prior knowledge.
SS10.K.10 — Apply vocabulary related to giving and following directions.
ELA21.K.21 — Use new and previously-taught vocabulary to produce and expand complete sentences in shared language activities.

Alaska

K.G.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes and describe their relative positions (e.g.,above, below, beside, in front of, behind, next to).
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events, and with prompting and support, provide additional related details.

Arizona

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
K.L.1.d — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
K.L.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
K.SL.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
K.SL.3 — Ask and answer questions in order to seek help, get information, or clarify something that is not understood.

Arkansas

K.GM.1 — Describe the positions of objects and geometric shapes in the environment. • Terms include: inside, outside, between, above, below, near, far, under, over, up, down, behind, in front of, next to, to the left of, and to the right of
G.1.K.1 — Describe familiar places using words that communicate location (e.g., beside, past, before), direction (e.g., right/left), and distance (e.g., long/short).
K.CC.3.P — Use specific details to orally describe people, places, things, and events.
K.V.1 — Determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text read aloud.

California

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Colorado

P.G.B.4 — Understand and use language related to directionality, order, and the position of objects, including up/down and in front/behind.
K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
SS.P.2.1 — Develop spatial understanding, perspectives, and connections to the world

Connecticut

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
L.K.1.d — Understand and use question words (interrogatives) (e.g., who, what, where, when, why, how).

Delaware

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Florida

SS.K.G.1.1 — Describe the relative location of people, places, and things by using positional words.
ELA.K.V.1.2 — Ask and answer questions about unfamiliar words in grade-level content.

Georgia

K.GSR.8.2 — Describe the relative location of an object using positional words.
ELAGSEKSL4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
ELAGSE1L1.i — Use frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., during, beyond, toward).
ELAGSEKL5.c — Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., note places at school that are colorful).

Hawaii

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
K.L.1e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
K.L.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
K.SL.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Idaho

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as “above,” “below,” beside, “in front of,” “behind,” and “next to.”
K.GC.GU.1c — Use frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
K.ODC.OC.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events with support.
K.VD.WB.3 — With support, use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading, and listening to texts.

Illinois

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Indiana

K.G.1 — Use words related to location, direction, and distance, including here/there, over/under, left/right, above/below, forward/backward, and between. (E)
K.G.3 — Locate and describe places in the school and community using words such as here/there, over/under, left/right, above/below, forward/backward, and between.
K.CC.3 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media. (E)

Iowa

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, besides, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.d — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Kansas

K.G.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
RL.K.1 — With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
SL.K.8 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading, and through being read to.
RL.K.2 — With prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details.

Kentucky

KY.K.G.1.b — Describe the relative positions of these objects using terms above, below, in front of, behind and next to.
L.K.1.d — sentences using common prepositions.
L.K.4.c — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.

Louisiana

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Maine

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.1.K.d — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
SL.3.K.a — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Maryland

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.PK.1.e — Gain exposure to the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g. to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by with).
SL.PK 4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events with modeling and support.

Massachusetts

PK.G.A.1 — Identify relative positions of objects in space, and use appropriate language (e.g., beside, inside, next to, close to, above, below, apart).
PreK.T2.1 — With prompting and support, describe location of people, animals, objects, and places, using words and phrases such as up, down, on, off, close, far away, beside, inside, next to, close to, above, below, apart correctly.
K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.PK.1.a — Demonstrate the ability to speak in complete sentences and to form questions using frequently occurring nouns, verbs, question words, and prepositions; name and use in context numbers 0–10 (see pre-kindergarten mathematics standards for Counting and Cardinality).

Michigan

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
K–G1.0.2 — Use directions or positional words to identify significant locations in the classroom.

Minnesota

0.3.1.1.1 — Describe spatial information depicted in simple drawings and pictures. For example: While looking at a picture, the student says, "The boy is in front of the house. The house is at the edge of the woods." Other words describing spatial information in a picture include up, down, left, right, near, far, back, in front of.
K.3.2.1 — Use words to compare objects according to length, size, weight and position. For example: Use same, lighter, longer, above, between and next to. Another example: Identify objects that are near your desk and objects that are in front of it. Explain why there may be some objects in both groups.

Mississippi

K.G.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
K.G.1.3 — Explain a place using terms related to location, direction, size, and distance (e.g., up, down, left, right, far, near, etc.).

Missouri

K.GM.C.7 — Describe the relative positions of objects in space.
K.R.1.A.b — asking and responding to questions about texts read aloud
K.R.1.B.b — demonstrating understanding of opposites (antonyms)
K.EG.5.B.a — Apply positional words to locations within the classroom

Montana

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects, including those of Montana American Indians, in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as: above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Nebraska

K.G.1.c — Describe the relative positions of shapes in relation to other objects or shapes using terms such as above, below, in front of, behind, and next to.
SS K.3.1.a — Communicate personal directions to describe relative locations of people and objects.
LA.K.SL.2 — With prompting and support, describe familiar people, places, things, and events, and provide additional detail.
LA.K.V.2.b — With prompting and support, deepen understanding of words by identifying and relating them to their opposites.

Nevada

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
SL.K.6 — Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.

New Hampshire

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
SL.K.6 — Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.

New Jersey

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
SL.K.6 — Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.

New Mexico

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).

New York

NY-PK.G.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as top, bottom, up, down, above, below, in front of, behind, over, under, and next to.
PKL4 — Explore and use new vocabulary in child-centered, authentic, play-based experiences.
KSL4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events with detail.
NY-K.G.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.

North Carolina

PS.K.2.1 — Use models to compare the relative position of various objects observed in the classroom and outside using position words such as: in front of, behind, between, on top of, under, above, below, beside.
K.G.1.3 — Identify locations in the classroom, community, and around the world with positional words.
NC.K.G.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of objects using positional terms.

North Dakota

K.L.2 — Identify parts of speech in sentences orally, with illustrations, or in writing:
1.C.1 — Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details expressing ideas orally to a targeted audience (e.g., peers and adults).

Ohio

K.G.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
K.5 — Terms related to direction and distance, as well as symbols and landmarks, can be used to talk about the relative location of familiar places.

Oklahoma

PK.3.R.2 — Students will answer basic questions (e.g., who, what, where, and when) about texts, photographs, or illustrations during shared reading or other text experiences with prompting.
PK.5.R.2 — Students will hear different parts of speech through conversations, read-alouds, and interactive reading: • concrete objects as persons, places, or things (i.e., nouns) • words as actions (i.e., verbs) • color adjectives • spatial and time relationships such as up, down, before, and after
K.GM.2.1 — Use words to compare objects according to length, size, weight, position, and location.
PK.2.2 — Use basic directional terms in relation to the student’s relative location.
PK.4.R.3 — Students will begin to acquire new vocabulary and relate new words to prior knowledge.

Oregon

K.12 — Use terms related to location, direction, and distance (such as over/under, here/there, left/right, above/below, forward/backward, between).
K.GM.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes and describe the relative positions of these objects in their environment.
K.L.5 — With guidance and support, explore word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
K.SL.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Pennsylvania

CC.1.3.PK.G — Describe pictures in books using details.
CC.1.3.PK.J — Use new vocabulary and phrases acquired in conversations and being read to.
CC.1.3.PK.B — Answer questions about a particular story (who, what, how, when, and where).
CC.1.5.PK.B — Answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
CC.1.5.PK.E — Using simple sentences, express thoughts, feelings, and ideas, speaking clearly enough to be understood by most audiences.

Rhode Island

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.a — Demonstrate the ability to produce and expand complete sentences using frequently occurring nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, question words, and prepositions; name and use in context numbers 0–100 (see kindergarten mathematics standards for Counting and Cardinality).
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, activities in the kindergarten curriculum, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.

South Carolina

K.G.1 — Describe positions of objects by appropriately using terms, including below, above, beside, between, inside, outside, in front of, or behind.
ELA.K.AOR.7.1 — Determine the meaning of known and unknown words and phrases, choosing from an array of strategies: a. ask and answer questions about words and phrases to determine their meaning; and b. use words and phrases acquired through conversations, being read to, and responding to texts.
ELA.K.C.9.1 — Ask and answer questions in conversation on a topic.

South Dakota

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
K.L.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions.
K.G.1.2 — Use environmental directions or positional words including but not limited to up, down, above, and below to identify significant locations in the classroom
K.L.6 — Use vocabulary acquired through conversations, reading, and learning experiences, to ask questions and convey ideas.
K.SL.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events. With prompting and support, provide additional detail.

Tennessee

K.FL.SC.6.f — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions when speaking and in shared language activities.
K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes and solids (squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, hexagons, cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres). Describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, between, and next to.
K.SL.PKI.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events, and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
K.FL.VA.7.b — With guidance and support from adults, explore word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

Texas

K.3C — identify and use words that name actions; directions; positions; sequences; categories such as colors, shapes, and textures; and locations.
K.6C — observe and describe the location of an object in relation to another such as above, below, behind, in front of, and beside; and
K.10D.v — prepositions;
K.3A — use spatial terms, including over, under, near, far, left, and right, to describe relative location;
K.6F — respond using newly acquired vocabulary as appropriate.

Utah

K.G.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
P4.SL.1 — Participate in conversations with peers and adults, using ageappropriate vocabulary on topics and texts.
P4.SL.1.c — Express own ideas.

Vermont

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.5 — With guidance and support from adults, explore word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

Virginia

K.LU.1.D — Use adjectives to describe specific objects (quantity, size, age, shape, color, or location).
K.RV.1.F — Use newly learned words and phrases in discussions and speaking activities.
K.RV.1.A — Discuss meanings of words from a variety of texts and experiences.
K.C.1.A.i — Participate in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) on kindergarten topics and texts. This includes listening actively and following agreed-upon rules for participating in discussions (e.g., waiting for a turn to speak without unnecessary interruptions and staying on topic).

Washington

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
SL.K.3 — Ask and answer questions in order to seek help, get information, or clarify something that is not understood.

Washington, D.C.

K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
L.K.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.

West Virginia

M.K.20 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind and next to.
ELA.PK.SL.EL.3 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events through a variety of verbal and symbolic forms.
SS.K.10 — Identify the difference between bodies of water and land masses on maps and globes, and demonstrate directions (e.g., left/right, up/down, near/far and above/under).

Wisconsin

M.K.G.A.1 — Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
ELA.K.L.5.a — Frequently used nouns, verbs, and prepositions.
ELA.K.SL.4 — With guidance and support, describe familiar people, places, things, and events.

Wyoming

K.G.H.1 — Describe objects in the environment using the names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
L.K.1.e — Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
SL.K.4 — Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
SL.K.3 — Ask and answer questions in order to seek help, get information, or clarify something that is not understood.