Teaching Directional Words Through Movement
Teaching Directional Words Through Movement
Why Directional Words Matter in Early Childhood
Directional (or positional) words are more than vocabulary — they’re foundational for:
reading left-to-right
following classroom instructions
spatial awareness
early math and geometry
safety navigation (“Stay close, walk beside me”)
Young children don’t learn these concepts sitting still.
They learn them by moving through space.
How Moving Builds Brain Connections
Movement activates:
body mapping (Where am I in space?)
visual tracking (Later used for reading)
sequencing (First/next understanding)
executive function (Stop/start control)
When kids feel direction, they store it more deeply.
(Try this too: Using Play to Build Executive Function Skills)
Step 1: Start With Everyday Language (No Lesson Needed)
Narrate directional words casually throughout the day:
“Put the cup on the table.”
“Your shoes are under the chair.”
“Stand next to me.”
“Let’s walk behind the stroller.”
Repetition in context builds comprehension faster than flashcards ever could.
Step 2: Play “Obstacle Path” at Home
Use pillows, tape, cardboard tunnels, chairs — anything safe.
Give simple prompts:
“Crawl under the chair.”
“Step over the pillow.”
“Walk around the cone.”
“Stand between the toys.”
Kids love it — and internalize direction vocabulary effortlessly.
(Related read: How to Make Learning Transitions Fun and Predictable)
Step 3: Introduce Body-Based Directions
Movement + body cues = stronger memory.
Try:
Touch your head above your shoulders.
Wiggle your toes below your knees.
Hold a toy behind your back.
Children anchor direction to anatomy — which sticks.
Step 4: Use Toys as Teaching Tools
Stuffed animals and puppets are perfect directional models:
“Put the bear next to the pillow.”
“Hide the bunny under the blanket.”
“Place the car behind the cup.”
Kids learn faster when the pressure isn’t on their body.
(Try this: Using Puppets to Reenact Books and Stories)
Step 5: Add Movement Songs
Songs boost retention through rhythm. Try singing to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”:
“Put your hands up high!”
“Touch the floor down low!”
“Spin around and point behind you — go, go, go!”
Repetition + melody is a memory superpower.
(Also see: Teaching Time Concepts Through Songs and Routines)
Step 6: Use Chalk Arrows Outside
Draw:
arrows pointing left/right
shapes to jump into
lines to walk on
circles to hop around
Follow the arrows together like a treasure trail. Directional vocabulary becomes embodied.
Step 7: Introduce “Left” and “Right” Gently
Left/right is abstract — no need to rush it.
Fun supports:
Put a sticker on the right hand during play.
Sing “Shake your right hand, now your left!”
Look for the “L” shape with the left thumb and index finger.
Kids usually differentiate these naturally around ages 5–7.
Step 8: Play Directional Simon Says
Examples:
“Simon says step forward.”
“Simon says hop backward.”
“Simon says tiptoe around the rug.”
“Simon says sit next to the pillow.”
This teaches inhibition, too — win-win.
(Related read: Teaching Patience and Focus Through Turn-Based Play)
Step 9: Create “Map Missions”
Draw a super-simple map of:
the bedroom,
living room,
backyard,
or playground.
Add arrows and X marks.
Prompt with:
“Go behind the slide, then crawl under the tunnel!”
You’re teaching early mapping skills — secretly.
(See also: Early Geography and Mapping for Curious Minds)
Step 10: Give Kids the Teacher Role
Let them issue directional commands:
“Put the dinosaur on the tower!”
“Stand between the chairs!”
Teaching language deepens mastery.
When Kids Mix Words Up (Totally Normal)
Expect confusion with:
under vs. below
in vs. on
left vs. right
beside vs. next to
These refine over time.
Celebrate the attempt, not the accuracy.
Avoid Correcting Too Much
Instead of saying:
“No, that’s wrong.”
Try:
“That’s close — can you show me under the table too?”
Curiosity > correctness.
When Kids Struggle
Offer visual cues:
arrows on sticky notes,
toy models,
chalk outlines,
photo labels.
Scaffolding builds confidence.
Fuzzigram’s Favorite Direction Games
✅ Obstacle path around the living room
✅ Chalk arrow treasure hunts
✅ Puppet hide-and-seek
✅ “Under/Over” castle building with blocks
✅ Direction-themed Simon Says
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
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