Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe where objects are using words like left, right, above, and below.
• Follow and give simple directions.
• Read and create simple maps with landmarks.
• Know your left from your right every time!

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving into the exciting world of maps, directions, and understanding where things are located! We'll learn how to describe the position of objects, give clear directions, and even create simple maps. This skill is incredibly important because it helps us navigate our world, understand our community, and even plan exciting trips across South Africa! Imagine trying to find your way to your friend's house in Soweto, or planning a visit to Kruger National Park without understanding directions – it would be very difficult! Knowing about position, direction, and mapping helps us become independent and confident explorers.

Lesson notes

Position: Position tells us where something is. We often describe position relative to other objects. This means we don't just say "the book is there", but rather "the book is on top of the table" or "the ball is next to the chair." Relative Position: This is key! It means understanding position in relation to something else.

Common terms include: Above/Below: The bird is above the tree. The worm is below the ground.

Left/Right: The shop is left of the post office. The school is right of the library. It's important to remember that left and right depend on your perspective!

In front of/Behind: The car is in front of the house. The garden is behind the house.

Next to: The dog is next to the kennel.

Between: The bank is between the shop and the post office.

Inside/Outside: The cat is inside the box. The child is outside the house.

On top of/Under: The book is on top of the desk. The cat is under the bed.

Direction: Direction tells us how to get somewhere. It involves giving instructions or a route.

Directional Language: Forward/Backward: Take two steps forward. Go backward to the start.

Left/Right: Turn left at the corner. Turn right at the robot.

Straight: Go straight until you see the shop.

Mapping: A map is a simplified drawing of a place. It helps us find our way and understand the layout of an area.

Key Elements of a Simple Map: Landmarks: Recognizable features like a school, a shop, a park, or a river.

Symbols: Small pictures that represent landmarks. For example, a tree symbol for a park, or a house symbol for a house.

Grid (Optional): A system of lines that divide the map into squares, making it easier to locate specific places (e.g., A1, B2).

Key/Legend: Explains what the symbols on the map mean.

Worked example

Position: Imagine a classroom. There is a desk, a chair, and a chalkboard.

Question:* Where is the chair in relation to the desk?

Answer: The chair is next to the desk. Or, The chair is in front of the desk (depending on the arrangement).

Direction: You are standing at your house. You want to go to the shop.

Question:* What directions would you give someone to get to the shop?

Answer: First, walk straight for 10 steps. Then, turn left at the big tree. The shop is on your right.

Mapping: Draw a simple map of your classroom. Include the desk, chairs, chalkboard, and the door.

Explanation:* Your map should show the relative position of each object in the classroom. Use simple symbols (e.g., a rectangle for the desk, a circle for a chair). Include a title "My Classroom Map". If you use a grid, label the rows and columns (e.g., A, B, C and 1, 2, 3).

Combining Position and Direction: You are at home. The spaza shop is across the street and to the right of the big blue house.

Question:* How do you get to the spaza shop from home?

Answer: First, cross the street. Then, turn right and walk until you see the big blue house. The spaza shop is next to it.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1:

Look at this picture: [Imagine a picture showing a table. On the table is a book, and under the table is a cat.]

Describe the position of the book and the cat in relation to the table.