Developing: Co-ordinates 2

Vocabulary

up/down, above/below

next to/beside, in front of/behind

on top of/underneath, clockwise, anticlockwise

horizontal, vertical, diagonal, axis, axes, grid

co-ordinates, points, row, column

Hints and Tips

Your child may be aware of many of these words as they are in everyday use but it is important to consolidate that knowledge and ensure mathematical understanding so it can be built upon in the future.

It is very important that a uniform method is established for reading and interpreting co-ordinates.

Essential Prior Knowledge

Know the language of position.

Know the meaning of the words horizontal and vertical. (This may come from a context outside of maths)

Activity

To consolidate knowledge of co-ordinates, your child can investigate the co-ordinates of a simple shape reflected across a diagonal line of symmetry.

Construct a grid with the axes numbered 0-6 on squared paper.

Ask your child to draw a diagonal line of symmetry from (0,0) to (6,6) Give your child these co-ordinates (1,3), (1,5), (3,6), (3,4) and ask him/her to draw this shape.

Once this has been done, ask your child to draw the shape reflected across the line of symmetry and note the new co-ordinates on the shape. He/she can check the shape by using a mirror.

 This activity will also give you an opportunity to assess your child's understanding of reflection.