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      Give directions from one position to another on a grid

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can give directions to move an object from one position to another on a grid.

      Key learning points

      1. Up, down, right and left can be used to move objects on a grid.
      2. Combine direction with a number of squares to give accurate directions.
      3. The move can include a horizontal and a vertical direction.

      Keywords

      • Grid - A set of lines used to help us accurately draw graphs is known as grid.

      • Position - Position means where something is located (often in relation to something else.)

      • Horizontal - Horizontal means side to side, like the horizon.

      • Vertical - Vertical means in an up-down direction.

      Common misconception

      Pupils may mix up directions, for example, moving left instead of right, or up instead of down. Pupils might start their movement from an incorrect position, leading to an inaccurate final location.

      Use clear and consistent language when teaching directions. Reinforce understanding by having students physically point or move in the indicated direction.

      Teacher tip

      Play a variation of "Simon Says" using grid directions (e.g., "Simon says, move 2 squares left") if pupils require additional revision of directional language prior to this lesson.

      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.
      Look at the table. Which line is vertical?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: A
      B
      C

      Q2.
      Look at the table. Which line is horizontal?

      An image in a quiz
      A
      B
      Correct answer: C

      Q3.
      Match the arrows up to show whether they point ‘right’ or ‘left’.

      Correct Answer:,left
      Correct Answer:,right

      Q4.
      I put a counter on 3 and move three places left. What number am I on now?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: 0
      1
      2

      Q5.
      I put a counter on 3 and move three places right. What number am I on now? I am on the number .

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 6

      Q6.
      I put a counter on 3 and move two places left then 6 places right. What number am I on now? I am on the number .

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 7

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is the correct instruction to move the unicorn to the star?

      An image in a quiz
      Up 3 squares
      Correct answer: Up 2 squares
      Down 3 squares
      Down 2 squares

      Q2.
      Which of these is the correct instruction to move the unicorn to the star?

      An image in a quiz
      Up 3 squares
      Up 2 squares
      Correct answer: Down 3 squares
      Down 2 squares

      Q3.
      Which of these is the correct instruction to move the unicorn to the star?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: Left 3 squares
      Right 3 squares
      Left 4 squares
      Right 4 squares

      Q4.
      Which of these is the correct instruction to move the unicorn to the star?

      An image in a quiz
      Right 3 squares. Down 2 squares.
      Correct answer: Up 2 squares. Left 3 squares.
      Up 3 squares. Left 4 squares.

      Q5.
      Jacob and Sofia want to move Dot to the pear. Who gives the correct instructions?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: Jacob: Right 3 squares, down 3 squares, right 1 square.
      Sofia: Right 4 squares, down 4 squares, right 2 squares.

      Q6.
      Which two fruits does Dot eat? Dot moves: Right 1 square. Down 1 square. Right 2 squares. Down 2 squares. Left 1 square.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: Pineapple and melon
      Pineapple and lemon
      Pineapple and cherry
      Cherry and grapes

      To help you plan your 4 maths lesson on: Give directions from one position to another on a grid, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...