Are you learning about positional language? The Positional Language Mats resource is a fantastic way for students to practise following directions and using key vocabulary to describe position and location. Through hands-on play and visual prompts, students will build confidence in interpreting instructions and communicating spatial relationships using familiar scenes and engaging game pieces.

To begin, each student or pair of students selects a scene mat, a matching instruction card, and the accompanying pieces. These pieces include animals, objects, or characters that can be moved around and placed on the mat. The instructions are picture-based, allowing students to follow each step even without text—making this activity especially suitable for early years learners, EAL students, and those still developing reading confidence.

Students follow each image instruction, placing the pieces in the correct location based on concepts such as on, next to, behind, in front, and under. The visual nature of the directions allows them to build positional vocabulary through action and observation. The activity can be used independently, in pairs, or with teacher support, and offers flexibility for different levels of scaffolding. It’s an excellent tool for oral language development as well as listening and direction-following practice.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Follow directions using visual prompts
• ✅ Apply key positional language in context
• ✅ Build confidence in using spatial vocabulary to describe locations
• ✅ Strengthen visual interpretation and sequencing skills
• ✅ Develop oral language through discussion and instruction-giving

What’s Included:

• Scene mats with familiar and engaging settings
• Picture-based instruction cards for non-verbal direction-following
• Movable game pieces to match the objects in each scene

Materials Needed:

• Printed and laminated scene mats and game pieces
• Instruction cards
• Ziplock bags or folders for storage

How to Use:

1. Provide each student or pair with a mat, instruction card, and matching pieces.
2. Students follow each picture prompt in sequence to place items on the mat.
3. Check placement accuracy as a group or through peer review.
4. Encourage students to describe where they placed each object using positional terms.
5. Rotate mats and instruction sets for repeated practice and variety.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during maths rotations focused on location and movement
• 💡 Incorporate into oral language groups to support vocabulary building
• 💡 Have students work in pairs to give and follow verbal instructions
• 💡 Print duplicate mats for barrier game-style activities

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate mats and pieces for long-lasting classroom use
• 💛 Model a round as a class before setting up as an independent task
• 💛 Encourage students to use full sentences when describing object locations
• 💛 Create additional instruction cards to suit your students’ vocabulary goals

Positional Language Mats are a low-prep, high-impact way to support direction-following, oral language, and spatial awareness. With their visual scaffolds and flexible options, they’re a valuable addition to any early years or EAL classroom.

You may also enjoy:

• Positional Language: Four in a Row
• Positional Language Slides and Ladders