New
New
Draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant
I can draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant.
Lesson 7 of 10
New
New
- Year 4
Draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant
I can draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The first digit in the coordinate gives the horizontal distance from the origin along the x-axis.
- The second digit in the coordinate gives the vertical distance from the origin along the y-axis.
- Use a ruler to join the points you have plotted to form a polygon.
Keywords
Polygon - A polygon is a 2D shape made up of three or more straight lines.
Vertex / vertices - A vertex is the point where two lines meet. The plural is vertices.
Coordinate - Coordinates are a set of values that show an exact position.
Common misconception
Pupils may mistakenly plot the y-coordinate (vertical distance) first, then the x-coordinate (horizontal distance), leading to incorrect point placement.
Reinforce that the x-coordinate comes first by using mnemonics such as "X before Y, along the ground before you fly." Practice plotting a few points together as a class to build this habit.
Guide students to follow the sequence of the coordinates carefully, reminding them that the points should be connected in the order given. Encourage them to double-check their sequence before drawing lines.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the definitions to the correct word.
Match the definitions to the correct word.
Q2.What is the name of the shape which is to the left of the triangle?
What is the name of the shape which is to the left of the triangle?
Circle
Trapezium
Q3.What is the name of the shape which is to the right of the square?
What is the name of the shape which is to the right of the square?
Pentagon
Trapezium
Q4.What is the name of this shape?
What is the name of this shape?
Square
Rectangle
Trapezium
Q5.What is the name of this shape?
What is the name of this shape?
Square
Rectangle
Parallelogram
Q6.What is the coordinate of the vertex marked with a dot?
What is the coordinate of the vertex marked with a dot?
(3, 5)
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Sofia thinks of a shape for Lucas to draw. She gives him six coordinates to mark the vertices. What shape must it be?
Sofia thinks of a shape for Lucas to draw. She gives him six coordinates to mark the vertices. What shape must it be?
Square
Triangle
Q2.Write the coordinates of the circled vertex. Remember to write the coordinates using brackets and a comma.
Write the coordinates of the circled vertex. Remember to write the coordinates using brackets and a comma.
Q3.Sofia wants to draw a rectangle. What is the missing coordinate? Remember to use brackets and a comma.
Sofia wants to draw a rectangle. What is the missing coordinate? Remember to use brackets and a comma.
Q4.Sofia wants to draw a trapezium. Identify the coordinates so that she is able to mark the final vertex.
Sofia wants to draw a trapezium. Identify the coordinates so that she is able to mark the final vertex.
(5, 3)
(3,3)
Q5.Lucas plots out a triangle. He moves the vertex marked at (1, 5) to (3, 4). What shape will it now be?
Lucas plots out a triangle. He moves the vertex marked at (1, 5) to (3, 4). What shape will it now be?
Hexagon
Square
Q6.Sofia describes a polygon using coordinates to mark the vertices. She gives Lucas exactly 4 coordinates. What shape can it not be?
Sofia describes a polygon using coordinates to mark the vertices. She gives Lucas exactly 4 coordinates. What shape can it not be?
Square
Rectangle
