Position and direction
Year 4 · Maths
Explore numbers, spot patterns and explain how you worked it out.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Coordinates
Along the corridor, then up the stairs: read and move coordinates in the first quadrant in this
Play CoordinatesTranslations on a grid
(1, 2) to (4, 2) is 3 right. Match moves between coordinates to translations in this
Play Translations on a grid
Learning about position and direction
These Year 4 Maths games practise Coordinates, Translations on a grid. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.
Talk it through
Use counters, a drawing or a number line before moving to a mental method. Ask your child to explain a choice, then change one number and try the method again.
Ask: “How could you show the same answer another way?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.
Coordinates
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.
Try an example: A point is 3 squares along and 4 squares up. What are its coordinates?
Along first, then up.
Show the answer
(3, 4)
What to look out for
Writing the coordinates the wrong way round. Remember: along the corridor, then up the stairs.
Translations on a grid
Year 4 pupils describe movements between positions as translations of a given unit to the left or right and up or down.
Try an example: (1, 2) to (4, 2)
x: 1 to 4 is 3 more. y does not change.
Show the answer
3 right
What to look out for
Mixing up which number goes with left or right. The first number goes along, so it tells you left or right.
Practise away from the screen
- Play battleships on squared paper using coordinates.
- Move a counter on squared paper and describe each move as a translation.
Curriculum connections
These games support selected practice connected to Position and direction in the National Curriculum in England. Use your school’s sequence to decide when to introduce and revisit each skill. A game covers selected examples, rather than assessing every requirement.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with position and direction?
Start with Coordinates. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.
Does this cover everything taught at this level?
No. This page brings together the games currently available for this topic. It supports selected skills and does not replace the full programme of study or practical teaching.