Positions, directions and turns

Part ofMaths2D and 3D shapesYear 2

A hand pressing a button on a remote control which shows a command to turn around

What are positions and directions?

You can use position words to describe where something or someone is.

For example, you can use words such as, 'above', 'below', 'near', 'far', 'up' or 'down'.

You can use directions and turns to describe how to move from one place to another place.

For example, you can use words such as, 'forwards', 'backwards', 'half turn' and 'quarter turn'.

A hand pressing a button on a remote control which shows a command to turn around
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Activity: Position and direction

Complete this interactive activity to understand how to describe where something is and its movement. Then put your knowledge to the test with a quiz.

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Position words

Position words can help you to understand and describe where things are.

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  1. grid with robot at the top and the word top below it
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Direction words

Direction words help you explain how to move from one place to another.

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  1. A helicopter taking off into the sky
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Turns

You can also describe different turns when you give directions.

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  1. an image of a bee doing a full turn
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Example 1

Let's practise describing position.

Look at this grid. It's got lots of different objects on.

1. Where is the flower?

It is _________ the sock and _________ the rainbow.

2. Where is the rainbow?

The rainbow is ________________ the pencil and the flower.

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Example 2

Look at these animals.

In order, a bear, chick, elephant, lion, chicken and tortoise

1. Where is the the chick?

The chick is __________ the bear and ___________ the elephant.

2. Where is the hen?

The hen is __________ the lion and __________ tortoise.

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Example 3

Look at these cars. The car in the first picture has been turned to make the second picture.

A car facing forward and then turned to face the side at 90 degrees or one fourth of the way around.

What type of turn has the car made?

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Example 4

Now look at these strawberries. The strawberry in the first picture has been turned to make the second picture.

A strawberry turned to face the opposite direction

What turn has this strawberry made?

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