In, On and Under: Three English Games for Children
Explore in, on and under with everyday objects, six examples and three short games that let children follow and give English instructions.
Quick answer: Use in for a position inside something, on for contact with a surface, and under for a position below something. Begin with one toy and a box. Move the toy as you speak, then give your child a turn.
2026-09-27 · Stayeng parent guide
Put this guide into practice
- Prepare a box and a large toy.
- Start with two positions.
- Take turns giving and following instructions.
Show the difference before asking a question
Put a toy inside a box, on its lid and under it. Say the matching phrase each time. In these examples, on describes contact with a surface; it does not mean every possible position above another object.
Keep the object familiar so the activity focuses on location. If three words feel like too much, use just in and on first. These are ways to adapt an activity, not a fixed learning schedule.
Six examples to act out
Match each sentence to a position you actually create. Avoid describing an object as under the table while showing it on top.
- The pencil is in the bag.
- The ball is in the box.
- The book is on the table.
- The toy is on the chair.
- The bag is under the table.
- The ball is under the chair.
Game 1: Listen and place
Prepare a large toy, an open box and a stable chair. Say “Put the toy in the box” and demonstrate. Bring it back and invite your child to follow the same instruction.
Change the position in the next round: “Put the toy on the chair.” If they choose another position, show two choices and ask “In or on?” Model the instruction again if needed rather than turning the exchange into a test.
Game 2: Where is the toy?
While your child closes their eyes, put the toy in a visible, reachable spot. Ask “Where is the toy?” Pointing can be a first response. Model “Under the chair”, then “It’s under the chair” when a longer response is appropriate.
A room-exploration game such as Stayeng’s Find It! can also start a conversation about where visible objects are. Describe one together. The household version works without opening a digital game.
Game 3: Let your child direct you
Ask your child to tell you where to put the toy. Offer “In the box or on the chair?” if they need a choice. Taking the directing role gives the same words a different purpose.
When it becomes easy, add another object or two short instructions. There is no need to introduce every preposition at once. Use large objects and safe places at floor or table level, without climbing.
Frequently asked questions
What if my child confuses on and under?
Contrast the two positions with the same object. Demonstrate once, then invite your child to place it. Keep the vocabulary familiar.
Does my child need to read?
No. Spoken instructions, demonstrations and objects are enough for these activities.
Must the answer be a full sentence?
Pointing or one word can be a starting point. Model a short full sentence and offer your child the chance to use it when ready.