Positional Words Worksheets
Updated October 2026 · 8 free printables
Positional words worksheets for preschool and kindergarten: above and below, in and out, on and under, in front of and behind, next to and between, left and right, top, middle and bottom, and near and far. Each page pairs a simple scene with directions like color the balloon ABOVE the cloud or draw a ball UNDER the chair.
The position word is printed in bold blue so early readers spot it. Kids color, circle and draw to show they understand, and the answer key on page 2 shows every answer, drawings included.
All 8 Positional Words Worksheets, One by One
Here is a closer look at every page in this collection, with who it's best for and a coloring idea for each one.
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1. Above and Below Worksheet
Five little scenes for the words above and below: balloons around a cloud, apples by a shelf, stars by a rainbow, ladybugs on a branch and a house that needs a sun. Kids color the picture that is above or below, then draw. The answer key is on page 2. It is made for pre-K and preschool, roughly ages 4 to 5, with big pictures and one number per page.
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2. In and Out: Circle the Right One
Six picture boxes for in and out: a fish in a bowl, a teddy bear in a box, an egg in a nest, an apple in a bowl, a duck in a pond and an orange in a basket. Each box asks for the one in or the one out. The answer key is on page 2. Little ones can do most of it with crayons, and a grown-up can read the short questions aloud.
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3. On and Under: Follow the Directions
A cozy room with a table and a chair. Kids color the apple on the table, circle the apple under it, color the bear on the chair, draw a ball under the chair and color a balloon above it. The answer key is on page 2. Little ones can do most of it with crayons, and a grown-up can read the short questions aloud.
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4. In Front Of and Behind
Four rows with three small pictures each: an animal in front of, behind or next to a box, a bush or a fence. Kids read the sentence and circle the matching picture, a great check on in front of and behind. The answer key is on page 2. Big pictures and only a few tasks per page make it a gentle start for kindergartners.
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5. Next To and Between Worksheet
Six shelves of pictures to color: apples, stars, balloons, fish, ladybugs, flowers, teddy bears, hearts and cupcakes. Rows take turns asking for the one between two pictures and the one next to a picture. The answer key is on page 2. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger.
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6. Left and Right Worksheet
Three ways to practice left and right: color the left or right mitten, boot and sock of a pair, circle which way a fish, car, plane or arrow is going, and draw a ball on the left side and a flower on the right side of a tree. The answer key is on page 2. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger.
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7. Top, Middle and Bottom
A bookshelf with three shelves, a traffic light and a snowman teach top, middle and bottom. Kids color the three lights in order, find things on the middle and bottom shelves, draw a ball on the top shelf and a hat on the snowman. The answer key is on page 2. Little ones can do most of it with crayons, and a grown-up can read the short questions aloud.
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8. Near and Far Worksheet
Five rows where the same picture appears twice: once right next to an animal or house and once far away. Kids read whether to find the one near or far from it, like the flower near the bee or the carrot far from the bunny. The answer key is on page 2. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger.
Tips for coloring Positional Words Worksheets
- Read the sentence aloud and stress the position word, then let your child point before coloring.
- Use a toy and a box to act out the word first: put the bear in, on, under, behind and next to the box.
- For left and right, keep the paper straight in front of your child and check with the L-shaped left hand.
Fun facts about Positional Words Worksheets
- Positional words are part of the geometry standards in kindergarten: describing where objects are.
- Children usually learn in, on and under first and left and right last.
- Many board games, mazes and dance songs are full of positional words, so practice can be playful.
Fun ways to use your printables
- Play Simon Says with positions: put your hand on your head, stand behind the chair, jump next to the door.
- Hide a toy and give clues like it is under something soft and next to something red.
- Build a block tower and ask what is on the top, in the middle and at the bottom.
How to print
Click Download PDF on any page and print it at 100% on US Letter or A4 paper. Use regular printer paper for crayons and pencils, or cardstock for markers and paint. Every page here is free for home, classroom and party use, so feel free to print as many copies as you need.
Frequently asked questions
What are positional words?
Words that tell where something is: above, below, on, under, in, out, in front of, behind, next to, between, left, right, near and far. They are also called spatial words or prepositions of place.
When do kids learn positional words?
Most children understand in, on and under by age 3 and add behind, in front of, next to and between in preschool. Left and right is the hardest pair and is often still shaky in kindergarten.
How can I teach left and right?
Hold up both hands with the fingers up and the thumbs out: the left hand makes an L. A sticker or bracelet on the left wrist also helps during worksheets and games.
Can my child do these without reading?
Yes. Read the directions aloud and let your child do the coloring, circling and drawing. Kindergarten readers can try the short sentences on their own.