Minds On

Giving and following directions

Examine the following image.

A 4 by 4 grid with the image of a bumble bee’s habitat drawn on it. The following items are each in their own separate square on the grid: a bee, a beehive, and 3 individual trees. In the top row, the bee is in the second square to the right. In the second row from the top, a tree is in the fourth square to the right. In the third row from the top, there is a tree in the second square, and in the third square to the right. In the bottom row, the beehive is in the fourth square to the right.

Can you give directions to get the bee to its hive?

Press ‘Sample Answer’ to find out one way the bee could get to the hive.

Start at the bee.

  • Go left one.
  • Then down three.
  • Then right three.

A 4 by 4 grid with the image of a bumble bee’s habitat drawn on it. In the top row, there is a bee in the second square to the right. In the second row from the top, there is a tree in the fourth square to the right. In the third row from the top, there is a tree in the second square and in the third square to the right. In the bottom row, the beehive is in the fourth square to the right. There is a series of arrows going from the bee to the hive. In the square to the left of the bee, there is an arrow pointing left. In the three squares directly below that arrow, there are three arrows pointing down. In the bottom row, in the second, third, and fourth squares, there is an arrow pointing right.

Can you think of a different way the bee could have gone?

Action

Where is the…?

Let’s review some words that help us explain the location of someone or something.

For each term, select the corresponding image.

Explore the following grid and the items on it.

A 7 by 7 grid. The rows run from top to bottom and the squares in the rows run from left to right. The first row: The first square has the number one, the third square has a basketball, the sixth square has a clock, and the rest of the squares are blank. The second row is blank. The third row: The third square has a stapler, the seventh square has a window, and the rest of the squares are blank. The fourth row: The third square has a desk, the fourth square has a chair, and the rest of the squares are blank. The fifth row: The first square has a door, and the rest of the squares are blank. The sixth row: The first square has a garbage can, the fifth square has a pencil, and the rest of the squares are blank. The bottom row: The third square has a plant, the seventh square has the number two, and the rest of the squares are blank.

Use the grid to help you complete the following activity.

For each sentence, select the missing word from the drop-down menu.

Directions

Next, let’s review some words that help us give and follow directions.

For each term, select the corresponding image.

Explore the grid and items on it once more.

A 7 by 7 grid. The rows run from top to bottom and the squares in the rows run from left to right. The first row: The first square has the number one, the third square has a basketball, the sixth square has a clock, and the rest of the squares are blank. The second row is blank. The third row: The third square has a stapler, the seventh square has a window, and the rest of the squares are blank. The fourth row: The third square has a desk, the fourth square has a chair, and the rest of the squares are blank. The fifth row: The first square has a door, and the rest of the squares are blank. The sixth row: The first square has a garbage can, the fifth square has a pencil, and the rest of the squares are blank. The bottom row: The third square has a plant, the seventh square has the number two, and the rest of the squares are blank.

Using the grid to help you, follow the directions given in each question.

Select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.

Try It

Try it

Give someone directions from the garbage can to the clock.

Try to use the words:

  • right or left
  • forward or backward
  • up or down

Remember to go around all the items in the way!

Consolidation

Making your own directions

You will now make your own map and give directions!

Use the grid provided or create your own.

Draw shapes, animals, letters, numbers, or use small items to mark different locations on your map.

Give someone directions from the “start” square to an item that you choose on your map. Record your directions using pictures, words or a voice recording.

Remember to go around all the things in your way!

Complete the “Blank Grid” in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Blank Grid
START

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Blank Grid. 

Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.