Positional Language Hunt: Reading Visual Cues Literacy Activity for Easter

Move over chocolate—this scavenger hunt uses visual clue cards to get children moving and reading! By hunting for natural loose parts or puzzle pieces, children practise positional language and early literacy comprehension in a collaborative outdoor setting.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Create the Clue Cards

Draw or print simple visual clue cards featuring positional language paired with a picture. For example, an arrow pointing under a bench, or behind a tree. Laminate them if possible.

2. Hide the Treasures

Instead of chocolate, hide natural items (like painted pebbles) or pieces of a spring jigsaw puzzle around your outdoor area. Make sure they match the locations shown on your clue cards.

3. Explain the Hunt

Gather the class and show them the first clue card. Read it together, emphasizing the positional word. Ask: 'Who can point to where we need to look? Let's check under the wooden bench!'

4. Work as a Team

Divide the children into small groups. Give each group a clue card and let them hunt. Encourage them to use the language: 'I found a pebble next to the pot!' Swap cards until all are found.

5. Piece it Together

Bring the groups back together to share what they found. If you used puzzle pieces, work collaboratively to build the picture. Celebrate their excellent reading and teamwork skills.

Classroom Adaptations

Large class?

Colour-code the clue cards and treasures so 4 different groups can hunt simultaneously without mixing up items.

Limited resources?

Hide leaves or twigs and just use scrap paper for the clues—no fancy printing or lamination required.

EAL learners?

Pair them with a confident buddy and ensure the visual drawings on the cards are extremely clear.

High ability?

Write simple CVC words on the clue cards (e.g., 'in log', 'on mat') and encourage them to sound out the locations.