Use mathematical vocabulary to describe movement
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use mathematical vocabulary such as forwards, backwards, left and right to describe movement.
Key learning points
- Forwards and backwards can be used to describe movement in a straight line.
- Left and right can be used to describe movement in a straight line.
- Direction is dependent on which way a person is facing.
Keywords
Forwards - To move in the direction you are facing.
Backwards - To move in the opposite direction to which you are facing.
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.
Common misconception
Children can find it confusing that direction is dependent on which way someone is facing, and so forwards, backwards, left or right will not always appear in the same direction.
Provide opportunities for children to experience movement in a straight line from different starting points, e.g. chalking a grid on the floor outside for them to move around in, or describing the movement of a toy car as they drive it along a track.
Teacher tip
Teachers need to be aware of their left and right compared to the children's. Try facing the same way as the children so that they can see their left is only the same as your left when you are facing the same direction.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which direction would move the counter into the shaded box?
Q2.The pentagon is to the of the cube.
Q3.Tick the sentences that are true.
Q4.The orange is to the of the lemon.
Q5.Which direction will move the counter onto the shaded square?
Q6.Tick the sentences that are true.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The sheep needs to move forwards ___ squares to reach the grass.
Q2.Tick the sentences that are true.
Q3.The pen is in Alex’s hand.
Q4.Which directions are labelled correctly?
Q5.Which directions would help Pedro find his milkshake?
Q6.Complete the directions to help the sheep find the grass. Move 2 squares forwards and move 2 squares to your __________.
To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Use mathematical vocabulary to describe movement, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Use mathematical vocabulary to describe movement, 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 unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.