Position words before maps: a robot game for Pre-K and kindergarten
What it is: a thread for Pre-K and kindergarten teachers and a game to try first. Before students can use a map, they need words for where things are: in front of, behind, next to, near, far, left and right. In this game one student is a "robot" who follows position commands, then the class moves toy cars on a tabletop play map with the same words.
Time: about 15 minutes. Grade: Pre-K and kindergarten (ages 4 to 6).
Materials: open floor space, a stuffed animal or toy, a tabletop play map (a large sheet with a drawn road, a house and a tree), and a small toy car.
- Model the robot: a volunteer stands still and moves only when given a command, such as "Take two steps forward," "Stand next to the door" or "Stand behind the chair."
- Students take turns giving commands to the robot. Help them choose position words instead of pointing.
- Hide the stuffed animal. Give clues with position words only: "It is under something near the window."
- Move to the tabletop play map. Ask a student to drive the car "to the house," "behind the tree" and "far from the house."
- Talk about how the play map is like the classroom seen from above.
Safety: keep the robot walking, not running, and clear the floor of bags and cords first.
Differentiation: students who need support use three words at first (in front of, behind, next to). Students who are ready add left and right. English learners can use gestures with each word.
Quick check: ask a student to put the car next to the house, then far from the house.
Join the conversation: What do you use to teach position and direction words before your students read maps? Share your favorite game or song below.
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About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 31, 2026
- Type
- Tip
- Grade
- Grades K–2
- Subject
- Social studies
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.