Position and direction
Grade 6 · Math
Explore numbers, spot patterns and explain how you worked it out.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Coordinates in four quadrants
Left and down are negative: read and move coordinates on the full grid in this
Play Coordinates in four quadrantsReflect and translate on the coordinate grid
Reflect (3, −2) in the y-axis to get (−3, −2). Match points to where they land in this
Play Reflect and translate on the coordinate grid
Learning about position and direction
These Grade 6 Math games practice Coordinates in four quadrants, Reflect and translate on the coordinate 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 in four quadrants
In this game children read coordinates with negative numbers and move points across the axes. The rules are the same as in the first quadrant: along first, then up. Negative numbers mean left of or below the origin.
Try an example: A point is 4 squares left of the origin and 2 squares up.
Left means negative x.
Show the answer
(−4, 2)
What to look out for
Losing the negative sign. Say 'negative' aloud every time you read a coordinate.
Reflect and translate on the coordinate grid
In this game children match points to where they land after a reflection in the x-axis or y-axis, or a translation. Reflecting in an axis changes the sign of one coordinate, so it is quick once children see the pattern.
Try an example: (3, −2) reflected in the y-axis
Change the sign of x.
Show the answer
(−3, −2)
What to look out for
Changing the wrong coordinate. Reflecting in the y-axis flips across the y-axis, which changes x.
Read the full Reflect and translate on the coordinate grid guide
Practice away from the screen
- Play battleships on a grid with four quadrants.
- Draw a shape on a four-quadrant grid and reflect it in each axis.
Curriculum connections
Coordinates in four quadrants
Supports part of Common Core 6.NS.C.8: points in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 6.NS.C.8. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Reflect and translate on the coordinate grid
Supports part of Common Core 6.NS.C.6.b: points that differ only by signs are reflections across one or both axes. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 6.NS.C.6.b. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with position and direction?
Start with Coordinates in four quadrants. 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. These games provide focused practice. Grade suggestions do not replace your school’s curriculum, and any Common Core connection applies only to the skill described.