Using directional language
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the words left, right, up and down to follow and give directions.
Key learning points
- Left and right can be used to describe position and direction.
- Directions can be given using left, right, up and down.
Keywords
Left - A word used to describe position or the direction of a turn. When facing North, left is to the West.
Right - A word used to describe position or the direction of a turn. When facing North, right is to the East.
Up - Towards a higher place or position. From a lower to a higher point.
Down - Towards a lower place or position. From a higher to a lower point.
Common misconception
Children can find it difficult to understand that another person's left is not is the same as their own - for example, when facing someone, their partner's left hand is on the opposite side to theirs.
Model directions from the children's own perspective - face the same way they are facing when you are describing what is on the left and right.
Teacher tip
Look for opportunities within daily routines to revisit left and right, for example when out walking, discuss what you can see on your left and right, and during games give challenges such as 'balance for as long as you can on your left leg'.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which words could be used to tell somebody which way to go?
Q2.Which toy is at the front of the line?
Q3.Find all the pictures of a shark.
Q4.Find all the pictures of a turtle.
Q5.Which image shows the same party hat as this one?
Q6.What would Izzy see?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Look at the arrows. Match the arrow to the direction.
left
right
Q2.Izzy went for a walk. What is on her left? What is on her right?
left
right
Q3.In which direction are the arrows pointing?
Q4.In which direction would the mouse go to find the cheese?
Q5.Which directions would help the mouse to find the cheese?
Q6.Which direction would not help Pedro to find his family?
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Using directional language, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Using directional language, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Position and direction including fractions of turns unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.