Above, Below & Beside
Basics on the topic Above, Below & Beside
Beside, Above and Below – Position Words
If you want to tell somebody where a person, an animal or an object is, you want to tell them about the position of something. For this you need position words (also called prepositions). Let’s learn more about directionality with the position words: above, below, beside, and how to use them to describe an object’s location with the following explanation.
Above, below, beside are called position words. These words are used to describe the location of something. They help us understand where someone, or something, is. There are many position words, but this video focuses on three. Let’s look at each of the three position words in detail.
Let’s look at examples of the use of position words. Below are three pictures of ice skates in three different positions. We use position words to describe where the ice skates can be found.
Above – Example
Above is used for a place that is higher than something else. We can use the word above to describe where the ice skates are compared to the bench. The ice skates are above the bench because they are higher than it.
Below – Example
Below is used for a place that is lower than something else. We can use the word below to describe where the ice skates are compared to the bench. The ice skates are below the bench because they are lower than it.
Beside – Example
Beside is used for a place that is next to something. We can use the word beside to describe where the ice skates are compared to the bench.The ice skates are beside the bench because they are next to it.
Above, Below and Beside – Summary
This text explained how to use position words (also called prepositions). Position words are used to describe where something is when compared to another. This text explained how to use words such as above, below and besides.
| Position word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Above | One person, animal or object is in a higher place than another. |
| Below | One person, animal or object is in a lower place than another. |
| Beside | One thing is next to another. |
Have you practiced yet? On this website, you can practice directionality with the position words above, below, beside. There are interactive exercises, worksheets and more activities waiting for you.
Transcript Above, Below & Beside
Nia and Nico are in a pairs ice skating competition. They are the first pair to skate and have a lovely above, beside and below routine planned. But what does that mean?! Let's learn all about their routine with the position words, "Above, Below, and Beside." We use special words to describe the location of something. They are called position words and help us know where someone, or something, is. There are many position words, but today we will learn about three. One position word we'll learn about is: above... which means a place that is higher than something else. We can use the word above to describe where the ice skates are compared to the bench. The ice skates are above the bench because they are higher than it. Below is another position word which means a place that is lower than something else. We can use the word below to describe where the ice skates are compared to the bench. The ice skates are below the bench because they are lower than it. Beside is the last position word we will learn today which means being next to something. We can use the word beside to describe where the ice skates are compared to the bench. The ice skates are beside the bench because they are next to it. When we use these words to describe the ice skates' location, it helps us understand where they are. Let's practice using these new words while watching Nia and Nico's routine! Here Nia and Nico are doing their first lift. Is NIA above, below or beside Nico? Nia is in a higher place than Nico. So, Nia is above Nico. Here comes Nico and Nia's next move! Is Nia above, below or beside Nico? Nia is at Nico's side now. So, Nia is beside Nico. Wow, Nico spins Nia into the air for their final move! Think carefully: is Nico above, below or beside Nia?" Nico is lower than Nia in this position. So, Nico is below Nia. Wow! What a performance from Nico and Nia! While Nia and Nico take a bow, let's remember. Today we learned about the position words: above, below and beside. They are used to describe where something is when compared to another. Above means one thing is in a higher place than another. Below means one thing is in a lower place than another. Beside means one thing is next to another. It sounds like they are awarding the medals now! Let's see who got first place. Yay, Nia and Nico, you did it! It looks like they are a step above the rest.
Above, Below & Beside exercise
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Defining position words.
HintsRemember, we use special words to describe the location of something. They are called position words and help us know where someone, or something, is.
Use the image to help you remember the position words we learned. Nia is in a different position compared to each box! Which box is she above, below, and beside? How do you know?
SolutionPosition Words describe the location of something. They help us understand where someone, or something, is.
Above means one thing is in a higher place than another.
Below means one thing is in a lower place than another.
Beside means one thing is next to another. -
Above, below, or beside?
HintsWhat are the three position words we learned today? How can position words help us know where someone, or something, is?
Nico is in a different position compared to each animal or object. What is he above, below, and beside? How do you know?
Remember:
Above means higher than something.
Below means lower than something.
Beside means next to something.Solution- Nico is beside the podium with the trophies. Nico is beside the podium because he is next to it.
- Nico is above the ice skater, Nari. Nico is above Nari because he is higher than Nari.
- Nico is below the competition sign. Nico is below the competition sign because he is lower than it.
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Is Nia above, below, or beside the shape?
HintsThis is Nia and the 3 shapes. Do you remember the names for each of these shapes?
Remember to use the position words we learned about. What are the 3 position words we learned?
Try picking a sentence and finding a picture that matches.
SolutionUse the image to check your answers.
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Where are Nia's belongings?
HintsIs the trophy higher, lower, or next to Nia? What position word can we use to explain the location of the trophy?
The trophy is higher than Nia. What position word can help us explain where the trophy is?
Ask yourself these questions for each object.
Is the object higher, lower, or next to Nia? What position word can help us explain where the object is?SolutionThe gold trophy is above Nia. The gold trophy is above Nia because it is higher than Nia.
The ice skating leotard and backpack are beside Nia. The ice skating leotard and backpack are beside Nia because they are next to her.
The ice skates and mittens are below Nia. The ice skates and mittens are below Nia because they are lower than her. -
Nico and Nia have organized their supplies. Where can they find each object on their shelf?
HintsRemember the position words we learned - above, below, and beside.
Which word means in a higher place than another? Which word means in a lower place than another? Finally, which word means next to another?
SolutionThe ice skates are above the backpack. The ice skates are above the backpack because they are on a higher shelf than the backpack.
The gold trophy is beside the backpack. The gold trophy is beside the backpack because it is next to the backpack on the same shelf.
The books are below the backpack. The books are are below the backpack because they are on a lower shelf than the backpack. -
Can you use position words?
HintsDo you remember the names for each of these shapes?
Which position words mean higher, lower, or next to? Which position words can we use to explain the location of each shape?
Look at each shape and decide if it is more above, below, or beside the other.
SolutionThe circle is beside the triangle and above the square.
The rectangle is below the square and below the heart.
The heart is above the rectangle and beside the square.
