Learning Language Location

Long before they can speak, a very young child understands when their mother gives an instruction that expects them to place an object in a particular place. There has usually been considerable demonstration of what was required. For example, “Put your book on the table” would usually be accompanied by their mother putting a book on the table and giving the child praise when they were successful following the instruction.

The first location words given to young children would include words such as: in, on, up, and down. At this stage, a very young child can direct other children or adults by pointing to what they required and success depends on the other child or adult correctly interpreting what the child wants them to do. My grandson grabs my hand and points to a particular spot on the couch if he wants me to sit beside him. Teachers would expect children entering school to follow simple instructions such: “Put your hats on your hooks”; “Put your pencils in your pencil cases”.

Initially teachers and parents need to develop the oral location language as it relates to students’ actions. For example, young students starting school should be able to follow the following instructions: “Put your lunch on the table”; “Put your apple in your lunchbox”; “Come and stand beside me”. Once students understand and use location language as it relates to them and their actions, they can use the same language with objects. For example: “Put the bear in the box”; “Put the boat in the water”. At this stage teachers need to encourage the students to draw their actions as well. This assists students to reflect on their learning.

Experiences in the first years of school build on this early language development, extending the range of words and making their meaning more precise. Students need opportunities to hear new vocabulary, then to use it in structured settings (e.g. in a lesson where use of the words are focussed upon) and then to use it spontaneously as they talk to their friends. A good teaching sequence will provide all of these opportunities over time.