Using directional language

I can use the words left, right, up and down to follow and give directions.

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Year 1

Using directional language

I can use the words left, right, up and down to follow and give directions.

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Lesson details

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.

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'.

Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).