The idea, step by step
Name what you compare with
“The bench is on the right” can be unclear. “The bench is to the right of the gate” tells the reader what to compare it with.
Keep the map in the same position. Useful words include left, right, above, below, beside and between.
Reverse the relationship
If the bench is to the right of the gate, then the gate is to the left of the bench. Both statements describe the same arrangement.
Between names a relationship with two other places. In the top row, the pond is between the playground and garden.
A common trap
Saying “left” without saying left of what.
Instead: Name both places so the relationship is clear.
See the thinking
Swap the reference place
The kiosk is right of the bench. Where is the bench compared with the kiosk?
- Do not rotate the map.
- Swap right for left when you swap the reference places.
A classroom relationship
Where is the reading corner compared with the table?
- Locate both labels.
- The reading corner is on the left side of the table.
Check your understanding
The pond is above the bench. Where is the bench compared with the pond?
Show answer
Below the pond.
Swapping the places reverses above and below.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Complete: The bench is ___ the gate and kiosk.
- Is the playground left or right of the pond?
- What is directly below the garden?
- Give two true position statements about the pond.
- The reading corner is left of the table. Complete: The table is ___ of the reading corner.
- Why is “the gate is below” less clear than “the gate is below the playground”?
Read the worked solutions
- Complete: The bench is ___ the gate and kiosk.
A named place is on each side.
Between. - Is the playground left or right of the pond?
Read the top row without rotating it.
Left. - What is directly below the garden?
They are in the right-hand column.
The kiosk. - Give two true position statements about the pond.
Check each statement on the labelled map.
Example: It is above the bench and between the playground and garden. - The reading corner is left of the table. Complete: The table is ___ of the reading corner.
The direction reverses when the reference places swap.
Right. - Why is “the gate is below” less clear than “the gate is below the playground”?
Below describes a relationship between two places.
It does not name the reference place.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum
Bird's-eye representations; landmarks; relative position; making plans.
Official curriculum source ↗