The idea, step by step
Give a reference
Position words tell us where something is. Say both the position word and the reference object.
In this picture, the bird is above the tree. The rock is below the tree.
Choose a clear description
Beside means next to something. Between means with something on each side.
You can describe the same place in different ways. The tree is between the bench and pond, and the pond is beside the tree.
A common trap
Saying beside tells someone exactly where, without naming anything else.
Instead: Give a reference too, such as beside the tree.
See the thinking
Look above
Where is the bird compared with the tree?
- Find the tree in the middle.
- The bird is higher on the page.
In a row
Three toys are in a row: car, bear, doll. Which toy is between the other two?
- The car is on one side of the bear.
- The doll is on its other side.
Check your understanding
A ball is under a chair. Is the chair above or below the ball?
Show answer
Above the ball.
If the ball is below the chair, the chair is above the ball.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Use the park picture. What is below the tree?
- In the park picture, what is between the bench and pond?
- A book is on a table. A bag is under the table. Which object is below the table?
- The cups are in this row: red, blue, green. Which cup is between the others?
- Lee says the toy is beside. What extra information would make the description clearer?
- Draw a box. Put a star above it and a circle below it.
Read the worked solutions
- Use the park picture. What is below the tree?
Find the item lower down from the tree.
The rock. - In the park picture, what is between the bench and pond?
It has the bench on one side and pond on the other.
The tree. - A book is on a table. A bag is under the table. Which object is below the table?
Under means below.
The bag. - The cups are in this row: red, blue, green. Which cup is between the others?
It is in the middle of the row.
Blue. - Lee says the toy is beside. What extra information would make the description clearer?
A position needs a reference object.
Say what the toy is beside. - Draw a box. Put a star above it and a circle below it.
Check both positions relative to the box.
Answers vary: star higher than the box and circle lower than the box.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum 2026
Year 1 relative position and clear instructions for moving people and objects in familiar spaces.
Official curriculum source ↗