Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Use words like 'left', 'right', 'above', and 'below' to describe where things are.
• Follow simple directions like 'walk forward two steps, turn left'.
• Draw a simple map of a familiar place, like your classroom.
• Use North, South, East, and West to describe directions.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving into the exciting world of position, direction, and mapping! Understanding where things are, how to get to them, and how to represent locations on a map is a crucial life skill. Imagine giving directions to your friend to come to your house for a braai, or understanding how to navigate a shopping mall to find your favourite sweets! These skills aren't just for maths class; they help us navigate our communities and the world around us. In South Africa, with our diverse landscapes and vibrant communities, understanding spatial relationships is especially important.

Lesson notes

2.1 Positional Language: Positional language helps us describe where things are. We use words to show the relationship between different objects.

In front of: Something is in front of you when it's blocking your view, or when you're facing it.

Example: The teacher is in front of the class.

Behind: Something is behind you when it's at your back.

Example: My backpack is behind my chair.

Next to: Something is next to something else when they are beside each other.

Example: My friend is next to me in class.

Above: Something is above when it is higher up.

Example: The ceiling is above our heads.

Below: Something is below when it is lower down.

Example: My shoes are below my desk.

Left: This refers to the side that is on the same side as your heart (usually!).

Right: This refers to the side that is opposite your left.

Example 1: Imagine a classroom. The desk is in front of you. The chalkboard is behind the teacher. Your friend is next to you. The roof is above your head. Your shoes are below your desk. 2.2 Following Directions: Following directions means listening carefully and doing what you are told in the right order. We use words like "walk," "turn," "go straight," "left," and "right." Example 2: Nomusa is starting at the classroom door. "Walk forward three steps." "Turn right." "Walk forward two steps." "Stop at the table." Nomusa will now be standing at the table. Make sure to practice and visualise the steps! 2.3 Mapping: A map is a simple drawing that shows where things are. Maps use symbols to represent real-world objects. For example, a square might represent a building, and a line might represent a road.

Example 3: Let's draw a simple map of your bedroom. First, think about what is in your room: bed, desk, cupboard, door, window. Draw a rectangle to represent your room's shape. Draw smaller rectangles or squares inside to show where your bed, desk, and cupboard are. Use a small line to represent the door and window. Write the name of each object (e.g., "Bed," "Desk") next to its symbol. Remember, a map is a simplified version of reality! 2.4 North, South, East, and West: These are the four cardinal directions. They help us understand where places are in relation to each other. A good way to remember these directions is to think about the sun. The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. If you face the rising Sun (East), then North is on your left and South is on your right.

Example 4: Imagine you are in Johannesburg. Cape Town is to the south of Johannesburg. Pretoria is to the north of Johannesburg. Durban is to the east of Johannesburg. Botswana is to the west of Johannesburg. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Look at the picture below: (Imagine a picture with a cat on a mat, a ball under the mat, and a toy on the left of the mat.) Where is the cat? Use positional language to describe its location.

Solution: The cat is on the mat.

Commentary: This question tests understanding of the positional word "on." Question 2: You are standing at your front gate.

Follow these directions: Walk forward 5 steps. Turn left. Walk forward 3 steps. Where are you now? (Assume you are now at a tree.)

Solution: You are now at the tree.

Commentary: This question requires following simple directions. Encourage visualizing the steps.

Question 3: Draw a simple map of your desk. Include at least three items (e.g., pencil, book, eraser). Use simple shapes to represent each item.

Solution: (Learners would draw a rectangle (desk) and smaller shapes inside representing pencil, book, and eraser. Each shape would be labeled.)

Commentary: This assesses the ability to create a simple map using symbols. Encourage creativity and clear labeling.

Question 4: If you are facing the rising sun, which direction is on your left?

Solution: North.

Commentary: This question tests knowledge of the cardinal directions and the sun's movement. Independent Practice (Questions Only) Describe the location of the following objects in your classroom using positional language: your teacher, the door, your bag. Write down a set of directions to get from your desk to the classroom door. Draw a simple map of your school playground. Include at least four features (e.g., swings, slide, soccer field, benches). If you are facing North, and then turn to your right, which direction are you facing? Pretend you are giving directions to someone who is lost. They are currently at the Post Office. They need to get to the Library, which is two blocks North and one block East. Write down the directions you would give them. Imagine you are standing in the centre of your town. Which direction (North, South, East, West) would you travel to get to the nearest big city? Use a map of South Africa (printed or digital) to help you. A treasure map says "Walk 10 paces North, then 5 paces East, then 2 paces South". If you start at the big tree, where do you end up?