Understanding words like ‘in’, ‘on’ and ‘under’ help a child understand simple instructions (e.g.: Put your spoon in the sink), ask questions to clarify (e.g.: Is the ball in the basket?”) and engage in conversations. These words describe the location of an object. Other examples of words that describe the position of an item are ‘over’, ‘between’ and ‘beside’.

Children with language delay often have difficulty following instructions containing these words. They may also use these words incorrectly in their expression. For example, instead of saying ‘on the box’ they may say ‘top the box’.

Here are some strategies speech therapists often use in their sessions to help children understand and use these words confidently. You can teach your child by following these tips.

1) Start by teaching one word at a time. Speech Therapists often start with ‘on’ or ‘in’ and then move on to ‘under’.

2) Use real objects to demonstrate the position and tell your child where it is. For example, place a ball on the table and say “on” or “ON the table”. Make sure to emphasize the key word. Repeat this with different objects.

You can use hand gestures to give your child visual support. There are videos on you tube that show fun hand gestures to learn words like ‘in’, ‘on’, ‘under’, ‘over’, ‘in front of’, ‘behind’.

3) Get your child to follow your instruction

Teach your child to follow instructions containing the word you were teaching them. Use the real objects. You can place a box or container on the table. Hand your child a toy and ask him/ her to place the object ‘on the box’. Keep repeating until your child is able to follow the instruction without your prompt.   If your child is following your instruction correctly, remember to praise them.

4)  Ask your child where the object is.

Once your child is able to understand the meaning of the word that you are teaching them, you can now encourage them to use the word. You can put an object on another object and ask your child “where is the _____?” If he/ she identifies the position correctly and expresses it (e.g.: “on”, “on the table”), then praise your child.

Once your child has achieved this, you can teach them the other words in a similar way. Always try to use real objects that your child is interested in. This make it fun and engaging for them!

A Speech Therapist can help if you have any concerns about your child’s understanding of instructions and help to identify if your child has any underlying difficulties with understanding words that describe position such as ‘in’, ‘on’, ‘under’.

Written by Tasneem Abdul Samad, Speech Pathologist