1. Co-ordinates (Year 6) By Adelle Rostron

2. Coordinates are two numbers which can be used to find a specific point on a plane. The two number lines (drawn at right angles) are known as the axes (x and y) 4 sections, known as quadrants. The point where the two lines cross (zero) is called the origin. Convention to read/write coordinates (x,y) TEACHING POINT: Coordinates refer to specific points, NOT squares or spaces! It is good practice to say “plot point (x,y)” rather than “plot (x,y).” y x

3. Be aware of procedural misconceptions e.g. (y, x). Use rhymes and expressions to help pupils remember key points. Encourage pupils to make up their own! Go along the corridor and up the stairs! Can you remember any rhymes or phrases that were used by your own teachers?

4. “Pigs walk before they fly!” “Planes go along the runway and then up to the sky.” “You have to walk before you can jump.” “Babies crawl before they climb.”

5. Which axis is which? X Axis X is “a cross” and so it goes across the page! Y Axis Wise up! (Y is up) Y to the sky

6. Essential: Start with the First Quadrant (by Year 6 pupils should already be familiar with this), extending to the negative parts of the axes. Use different forms of diagrammatic representations to model conventions and to reinforce key vocabulary…

7. Some simple ideas… Coordinate pictures and shapes Use decimals for HA pupils

8. Some simple ideas… Life-size coordinate planes

9. Some simple ideas… “Battleship” games

10. Some simple ideas… Interactive games

11. Wider: Encourage pupils to use the coordinate system to describe movements from one point to another. Movements can be described as positive or negative depending on direction.

12. What’s my coordinate? CROSS CURRICULAR LINKS: Plotting routes on maps. C to A: -Move 6 units in the x-direction -Move 2 units in the y-direction B to D: -Move -8 units in the x-direction -Move -2 units in the y-direction Teacher writes down a coordinate but does not share it with pupils. Pupils work in teams. One member from each team stands where they think the coordinate is. Teacher gives each team directions (see below). Use decimals for HA pupils.

13. Deeper: Develop pupils’ understanding of coordinate systems using transformations of shape. Translation Rotation Reflection

14. A great way to consolidate learning in a fun way!

15. Thank you so much for listening!