Hide-and-Seek with Position Clues

One group hides scarves around the playground and gives spoken clues with position words (in front of, behind, on top of, under, to the right of, to the left of) so another group can find them. Students build spatial concepts, left-right relative to objects and communication.

How to play

1. In a circle, review position words with a scarf: in front, behind, on your head, under your foot, to your right and to your left, saying each aloud (2 min).
2. Every student has a scarf: call "to your right", "behind you", "between your feet" and everyone places it without moving (2 min).
3. Five groups of 5, each with 5 scarves of its color. Group A hides its scarves in one area while B faces the wall and counts to 30 (2 min).
4. A gives one clue per scarf with two position words ("under the bench, to the left of the trash can"). B searches together, and each find is a point for both groups (3 min).
5. Switch roles: B hides, A searches (3 min).
6. Rotate to play another group and, at the end, each group shares its clearest clue (3 min).

Rules

• Hide scarves in plain sight or half covered, never in trash cans, drains or high places.
• Search at a walk and inside the boundaries.
• Clues must use position words; no pointing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: hide scarves in wheelchair-accessible spots at arm height.
• Shyness: the student says the clue together with a classmate or prepares it with the teacher first.
• Skill level: early finishers invent three-word clues; students who struggle search with a partner.

Learning goals

• Understand and use basic spatial concepts.
• Place objects to the right or left of other objects.
• Give clear clues and listen to classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• scarves: 25

Teacher tip

At this age, right and left of objects is really hard: accept mistakes and restate the corrected clue. Use playground landmarks to mark each pair of groups' area.

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