The idea, step by step
One instruction at a time
A route tells you how to move from a start to an end. Begin at the named start.
Say how far and which way, such as two squares up. Stop after that move before following the next one.
Check the route
The order matters. Follow each instruction and then check the end position.
A clear route gives a start, a movement unit and directions. More than one route can sometimes reach the same place.
A common trap
Move two is clear without a unit or direction.
Instead: Say two what and which way, such as two squares to the right.
See the thinking
Follow the drawn path
How does the drawn path go from START to GOAL?
- Start in the bottom-left square.
- Count two moves up, then two moves right.
Undo a move
A counter moves one square right, then one square left. Where is it now?
- The first move changes its position by one square.
- The second move goes back over the same distance.
Check your understanding
A counter starts in the bottom-left of a 3-by-3 grid. It moves two squares up. Where is it?
Show answer
The top-left square.
It stays in the left column and moves from bottom, through middle, to top.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Follow the pictured path. How many squares right does it move after going up?
- Start at the bottom-left of a 3-by-3 grid. Move one square right. Where do you finish?
- A counter moves two squares left and two squares right. Where does it finish compared with its start?
- Write a route from bottom-left to top-right in a 3-by-3 grid, using only up and right.
- An instruction says move three. What information is missing?
- Draw a simple start and goal. Write two movement instructions, then check them with a finger.
Read the worked solutions
- Follow the pictured path. How many squares right does it move after going up?
Count from top-left to top-middle to top-right.
2 squares. - Start at the bottom-left of a 3-by-3 grid. Move one square right. Where do you finish?
Stay on the bottom row and move one position right.
The bottom-middle square. - A counter moves two squares left and two squares right. Where does it finish compared with its start?
The second move goes back over the same distance as the first.
At the starting place. - Write a route from bottom-left to top-right in a 3-by-3 grid, using only up and right.
Any route with two up moves and two right moves staying on the grid is valid.
For example, two squares up then two squares right. - An instruction says move three. What information is missing?
A number alone does not define a move.
The direction and the unit, such as three steps forward or three squares right. - Draw a simple start and goal. Write two movement instructions, then check them with a finger.
Follow the instructions exactly from the stated start.
Answers vary: the instructions state distances/directions and reach the drawn goal.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum 2026
Year 1 relative position and clear instructions for moving people and objects in familiar spaces.
Official curriculum source ↗