Coordinates: what children learn
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.
Supports part of Common Core 5.G.A.1: locating points in the first quadrant using ordered pairs. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 5.G.A.1. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
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
- Students 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 color-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
How should I choose this game for my learner?
Supports part of Common Core 5.G.A.1: locating points in the first quadrant using ordered pairs. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Press 1, 2, 3 or 4 to choose an answer.