Spatial and Temporal Prepositions: Speech Therapy Guide
Prepositions are invariable words that establish relationships between elements of the sentence. Spatial prepositions (on, under, in, in front of...) and temporal prepositions (before, after, during...) are essential for orienting oneself in space and time. Their acquisition is gradual and can be difficult for children with language disorders.
Spatial Prepositions
| Preposition | Meaning | Acquisition |
|---|---|---|
| in, on | Basic location | 2-3 years |
| under, in front of, behind | Relative position | 3-4 years |
| next to, between | Lateral position | 4-5 years |
| to the right, to the left | Lateralization | 6-7 years |
Temporal Prepositions
| Preposition | Meaning | Acquisition |
|---|---|---|
| now | Immediate present | 2-3 years |
| after, before | Succession | 4-5 years |
| during, since | Duration | 5-6 years |
| yesterday, tomorrow | Relative days | 5-6 years |
Common Difficulties
Confusion on/under, in front of/behind: inversion of opposites.
Confusion before/after: difficulty with temporal order.
Omission of prepositions in sentences.
Difficulty with deictic prepositions: which change according to the point of view.
Intervention
💡 Strategies
Concrete manipulation: placing objects, moving in space.
Visual supports: pictograms of prepositions.
Oppositions: working with contrasting pairs (on/under).
Games: Simon says, treasure hunt, motor courses.
Our Downloadable Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
The distinction right/left on oneself is acquired around 6-7 years, on others around 8-9 years. It is one of the last spatial concepts to be mastered. Persistent confusion beyond this may require specific work.
Use sequential images, daily routines ("before eating, we wash our hands"), stories. Manipulate concretely: "First I put on my socks, then my shoes".
