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Unit: Shape, Space and Measures

Directions and Routes

Directions help you give or follow a clear route to a room, street or other place. Keep the start point and orientation clear.

Supports assessment standard: 1.3

Topic explanation

A route must have a clear start and finish. Follow each direction once and do not change which way the plan is facing.

On a grid, north is up, east is right, south is down and west is left.

When giving directions, include enough information for another person to reach the same destination without guessing.

Quick methods

Start point
Find the marked start before making any move.
One move at a time
Trace every instruction in the order given.
Compass
On these plans, north points up unless stated otherwise.
Describe
Use clear left/right or north/east/south/west language.

Worked examples

Example 1

From the entrance, move two squares east and one square north. Write the route code.

  1. East is E.
  2. Two squares east gives E, E.
  3. One square north adds N.

So: The route code is E, E, N.

Example 2

You face north and turn right. Which way are you facing?

  1. Picture north at the top of a compass.
  2. A right turn moves to the direction on the right.
  3. That direction is east.

So: You are facing east.

Example 3

Give a clear route from one room to another.

  1. Name the start room.
  2. Give each turn or forward move in order.
  3. Finish by naming the destination.

So: A clear route has one unambiguous start, sequence and destination.