Grid Maps & Directions

Explanation

A grid map divides a picture into squares, and every square gets a name — a letter for its column (across the bottom) and a number for its row (up the side). That way you can tell someone EXACTLY where something is without pointing: 'the school is in that square' becomes a precise address.

Your Turn

Look at the map: which column letter is the house in? Which row number? (We'll name it fully next step!)

Watch Out

Columns go UP AND DOWN (named across the bottom); rows go ACROSS (named up the side). Easy to swap — check twice.

Explanation

A square's name is its GRID REFERENCE: the letter first, then the number. To find C3, slide your finger along the bottom to column C, then climb up to row 3 — and there's the school! To name a square, do the reverse: read down for its letter, across for its number. Letter first, always: C3, never 3C.

Your Turn

Name the grid references of the house and the tree on the map. Check: house A1, tree D1.

Watch Out

Go ACROSS first (letter), then UP (number) — 'along the hallway, then up the stairs' is the classic memory trick.

Explanation

Maps use compass directions: North at the top, then clockwise — East on the right, South at the bottom, West on the left. Remember the order with 'Never Eat Soggy Weetbix'! On most maps, up means north, so 'the tree is east of the house' means the tree is to the right of the house on the map.

Your Turn

Face north (up on the map). Which direction is behind you? To your right? Check: south; east.

Watch Out

West and East sound alike but sit on opposite sides. The word WE helps: reading left to right, W then E!

Explanation

Directions plus grids let you describe a JOURNEY. From the house at A1 to the school at C3: go north 2 squares, then east 2 squares. Each instruction has a direction AND a distance (how many squares). Follow them one at a time with your finger and you can't get lost.

Your Turn

Give directions from the school (C3) to the tree (D1). Check: east 1 square, then south 2 squares.

Watch Out

Count squares you MOVE INTO, not lines you cross. Moving from A1 to A3 is 2 squares north.

Explanation

Time for a pirate test! The ship lands at A1. The clue says: north 3, east 1 — that's the palm tree at B4. The treasure map's final clue: from the palm, go east 2 and south 2. Follow it with your finger… the X is at D2! Grid references, directions and distances — you now have every mapping skill. Quiz and exercises, sailor!

Your Turn

Check the treasure trail yourself: B4 → east 2 → D4 → south 2 → D2. Did you land on the ❌?

Watch Out

Do instructions IN ORDER, one at a time. Skipping ahead is how pirates end up digging in the wrong place.