Coordinates: what children learn
Year 4 pupils describe positions on a 2D grid as coordinates in the first quadrant, describe movements between positions as translations, and plot points to draw polygons.
In this game children read the coordinates of points and work out where a point lands after moving left, right, up or down. Coordinates always give the x-coordinate first: along the corridor, then up the stairs.
This topic covers the Year 4 statutory requirement in the National Curriculum in England (Geometry – position and direction): pupils should be taught to “describe positions on a 2-D grid as coordinates in the first quadrant”. Year 4 pupils are usually aged 8–9.
For families following US standards, the closest Common Core standard is 5.G.A.1, which is taught in Grade 5.
How to play
Answer 10 questions before the clock runs out. Tap an answer, or press 1 to 4. Each game has 10 multiple-choice questions and a 150-second timer. A wrong answer shows the correct one before moving on. You earn up to three stars depending on your score.
Step by step
- Start at the origin. The origin is (0, 0), where the axes meet.
- Along, then up. The first number tells you how far along the x-axis. The second tells you how far up.
- Moving right or left. Moving right adds to the first number. Moving left takes away from it.
- Moving up or down. Moving up adds to the second number. Moving down takes away from it.
Worked examples
Example 1: A point is 3 squares along and 4 squares up. What are its coordinates?
Working: Along first, then up.
Answer: (3, 4)
Example 2: A point starts at (2, 3). It moves 3 right. Where is it now?
Working: Add 3 to the first number.
Answer: (5, 3)
Example 3: A point starts at (1, 5). It moves 2 down. Where is it now?
Working: Take 2 from the second number.
Answer: (1, 3)
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Writing the coordinates the wrong way round. Remember: along the corridor, then up the stairs.
- Counting the lines from 1 instead of 0. Start counting at the origin, which is 0.
- Changing the wrong number when a point moves. Left and right change the first number. Up and down change the second.
Activities to try at home
- Play battleships on squared paper using coordinates.
- Plot the corners of a square and name its coordinates.
- Draw a treasure map and give the treasure's coordinates.
Ideas for the classroom
- Pupils plot points to draw a shape, then give the coordinates to a partner to recreate it.
- Hide 'treasure' at coordinates on a grid and give clues.
- Use the hall floor as a big grid and stand on coordinates.
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
What is the first quadrant?
The part of the grid where both coordinates are 0 or more. Negative coordinates come in Year 6.
Do children translate shapes too?
Yes. In Year 4 they describe translations, such as 3 right and 2 up, and plot shapes.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Press 1, 2, 3 or 4 to choose an answer.