Above and below describe relative vertical position: an object is above a reference object when it is higher, and below it when it is lower. The learner identifies and communicates these relationships in pictures, diagrams, and familiar arrangements, understands that changing the reference can reverse the relationship, and distinguishes vertical position from left/right location without requiring measurement or coordinates.
On this page:
- Learn “Use above and below” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Use above and below” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Use above and below you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Use above and below” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Spatial Awareness - Intro” that introduce, teach, or practice “Use above and below” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Use above and below
Look at up and down, not left and right.
- An object is above another object when it is higher.
- An object is below another object when it is lower.
Example:
☀️
🏠
Step 1: Choose the reference object.
Let the house be the reference.
Step 2: Look at the other object.
The sun is higher than the house.
Step 3: Say the relationship.
The sun is above the house.
Now change the reference:
- The house is below the sun.
The objects did not move. Changing which object you name first changes the words: above and below describe opposite vertical positions.
Learn by doing: Use above and below
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
Your results
Practice with unlimited practice problems
Practice:
Spatial Awareness - Above or Below
Earned ?
Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Use above and below' Worksheet
Print this free 'Use above and below' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Spatial Awareness - Above or Below
- Spatial Awareness Map - Above or Below
- Spatial Awareness - Is Above or Below (True/False)
- Spatial Awareness Map - Is Above or Below (True/False)
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Use above and below) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.