Space and shape: position, direction and mapping – Week 8 focus
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Subject: Mathematics
Class: Grade 3
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Theme: General lesson support
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This week, we are embarking on an exciting journey into the world of position, direction, and mapping. This is a very practical part of Mathematics that we use every single day, often without even thinking about it! When you tell your gogo where you put her glasses, explain to a friend how to get to the spaza shop from your house, or follow a map to find the lions at the zoo, you are using these skills. Understanding maps and directions helps us to be independent, to solve problems, and to describe the world around us clearly.
A. Positional Words Positional words tell us where something is. They help us describe a location precisely.
In front of / Behind: If you are facing the board, the board is in front of you. Your back is facing what is behind you.
Next to / Beside: Your desk mate sits next to you.
Above / Below (or Under): The ceiling is above your head. The floor is below your feet. Your school shoes are under your desk.
Left / Right: This can be tricky! A good way to remember is to make an 'L' shape with your left hand's thumb and index finger. That is your left hand.