Which way now? Clockwise and anticlockwise turns: what children learn
Year 2 pupils use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction and movement, including movement in a straight line and rotation as a turn: quarter, half and three-quarter turns, clockwise and anticlockwise.
In this game Jigby starts facing one way and makes a turn. Children sort each card by the way Jigby faces afterwards: top, right, bottom or left. Acting out each turn is the most reliable way to check.
This topic covers the Year 2 statutory requirement in the National Curriculum in England (Geometry – position and direction): pupils should be taught to “use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction and movement, including movement in a straight line and distinguishing between rotation as a turn and in terms of right angles for quarter, half and three-quarter turns (clockwise and anti-clockwise)”. Year 2 pupils are usually aged 6–7.
There is no direct equivalent in the US Common Core State Standards. Enrichment: clockwise and anticlockwise turns are not a Common Core standard; they prepare for angles in Grade 4.
How to play
Sort the cards into the right groups. Tap a card, then its group. You can also drag a card, or press the number on its group. Each game has 3 rounds with no timer. Every card is checked as soon as you place it: a card in the wrong group comes back with a hint, and you get a point for each card you place right first time. For a quicker go, choose Quick quiz: 10 multiple-choice questions in 150 seconds (choose Relaxed for more time).
Step by step
- Know the four directions. Top, right, bottom and left, going round like the hands of a clock.
- Quarter turn clockwise. Move one step round in the direction a clock's hands go: top to right, right to bottom.
- Anticlockwise. Move the other way: top to left, left to bottom.
- Half and three-quarter turns. A half turn is two quarter turns. A three-quarter turn is three. A whole turn ends where it started.
Worked examples
Example 1: Facing the top, a quarter turn clockwise
Working: One step clockwise from top.
Answer: right
Example 2: Facing the right, a half turn
Working: Two quarter turns: right to bottom to left.
Answer: left
Example 3: Facing the left, a three-quarter turn anticlockwise
Working: Three steps anticlockwise: left to bottom to right to top.
Answer: top
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Mixing up clockwise and anticlockwise. Look at a clock and trace the direction its hands move.
- Thinking a half turn depends on the direction. A half turn clockwise and a half turn anticlockwise end in the same place.
- Counting the starting direction as one step. Start pointing, then move one step for each quarter turn.
Activities to try at home
- Stand up, face a wall and make quarter, half and three-quarter turns together.
- Give directions to a toy: 'make a quarter turn clockwise'.
- Use a clock face to show which way clockwise goes.
Ideas for the classroom
- Pupils give each other turning instructions in the playground.
- Use floor robots to practise quarter turns.
- Put labels for top, right, bottom and left on the classroom walls for whole-class turning games.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
Why does Year 2 use 'quarter turn' instead of degrees?
Degrees come later. In Year 2, children describe turns as fractions of a whole turn.
Is this the same as left and right?
A quarter turn clockwise is a turn to the right if you are the one turning. This game uses directions on the page.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab to a card, press Enter to pick it up, then choose the group it belongs in.