Year 2 Mathematics · AC9M2SP02

Locate positions in two-dimensional representations of a familiar space; move positions by following directions and pathways

A map or grid represents a real space from above. Positions can be described using landmarks, rows, columns and directions

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Learning goalsSay it simply

A map or grid represents a real space from above. Positions can be described using landmarks, rows, columns and directions.

Learning sequence: Read map → Find landmark → Locate → Follow path → Check

Success looks like

  • Read maps
  • Locate positions
  • Use landmarks
  • Follow pathways
  • Give directions
Key conceptTeach from the board

Use landmarks to locate positions

libraryplaygroundclassroomcanteen

Describe where a place is by using nearby features and directions.

Follow a pathway step by step

startgo forward 3turn rightgo forward 2finish

Follow directions in order and check the final position.

Clean visual examplesOne-page board

Clean one-page examples

AC9M2SP02 - Locate positions in two-dimensional representations of a familiar space; move positions by following directions and pathways
Example 1

library playground classroom canteen

Example 2

start go forward 3 turn right go forward 2 finish

Example 3

Classroom map Draw a simple classroom map and mark key landmarks. door desk books mat

Example 4

Pathway partner Give directions from one landmark to another. start turn move finish

Curriculum examplesCurriculum examples

Curriculum coverage and elaborations

The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning.

  • Content description: locate positions in two-dimensional representations of a familiar space; move positions by following directions and pathways
  • E1: interpreting maps of familiar places and identifying the position of key features
  • E2: understanding that we use maps to receive and give directions and to describe place and spatial relationships between places
  • E3: using a classroom seating plan to locate a new seating position and giving directions to other classmates to find their seats
  • E4: following and creating movement instructions that need to be carried out to move through a 4 \times 4 grid mat on the classroom floor or on a computer screen; for example, one forward, 2 to the right and one backwards, and so on to reach a target square; using a robotic toy to follow a path on a street scene on a floor mat, adjusting their directions as they consider the order of their instructions, the direction and how far they want the toy to travel
  • E5: moving around a two-dimensional maze using directional language to describe turns and changes in direction including saying, for example, “clockwise”, “anticlockwise”, “quarter turn to the left”, and “take the path to the right”
Questions and answersWith answers

Key idea: A map or grid represents a real space from above. Positions can be described using landmarks, rows, columns and directions.

Remember

  • Read maps
  • Locate positions
  • Use landmarks
  • Follow pathways
  • Give directions

Quick questions

  • Describe a position using a landmark.
  • Follow: forward 2, turn right, forward 1.
  • What does a map show?
  • Why must directions be followed in order?

If an answer is uncertain, return to the model and explain what each part represents before calculating or drawing a conclusion.

Practice and reviewReady for practice
  • Vague words — Use beside, between, above or below with a landmark.
  • Skipping steps — Follow one instruction at a time.
  • Map/real space confused — Remember a map shows the space from above.

How to use this unit

Read the topic guide and use the teacher slide for instruction. Students can then use the worksheet for written work, open Practice for supported feedback, or take the Test when they are ready.

Curriculum alignmentStart here

A map or grid represents a real space from above. Positions can be described using landmarks, rows, columns and directions.

Learning sequence: Read map → Find landmark → Locate → Follow path → Check

Success looks like

  • Read maps
  • Locate positions
  • Use landmarks
  • Follow pathways
  • Give directions
Related resourcesKeep teaching

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