Position and direction - Problem solving with position - Planning

In a Year 2 classroom, the focus of the week is on problem-solving with position, an essential aspect of the summer term's curriculum on position and direction. The lesson begins with a recap of previous knowledge, ensuring children are familiar with the key concepts. During the class, children explore the meanings of position and direction through interactive phrases and activities. They are encouraged to use key vocabulary such as left, right, forwards, backwards, and terms related to turns, such as half and quarter, to describe movements and locations. The lesson is supported by a range of resources including presentations, worksheets, and mini whiteboards, all aimed at helping students understand and articulate the position of objects and characters in various scenarios.

Students work in pairs and groups to discuss and solve problems, using practical and theoretical approaches. They may draw grids on whiteboards or physically move like the animals on a grid to determine routes and positions. The lesson plan is designed to cater to different levels of understanding, with activities ranging from simple one-step problems to more complex multi-step challenges. As the lesson concludes, children reflect on what they have learned, the skills they have used, and any difficulties they encountered. The plenary session allows students to make a 'pinkie promise' to remember key concepts from the lesson. Differentiated worksheets provide independent learning opportunities, ensuring all students can progress at their own pace and depth of understanding, from working towards expectations to achieving greater depth in problem-solving with position and direction.