Geography · First maps
Left, right, forward
Say which way to go.
Which way do we go?
Maps help us find our way! We need to know directions to get places. Left means this way. Right means that way. Forward means straight ahead. Let's learn how to give directions!
Finding left and right
Hold up both hands in front of you. Make an L shape with your fingers. The hand that makes a proper L is your left hand! The other hand is your right hand. Practice this trick every day.
Going forward
Forward means keep going straight. Don't turn left. Don't turn right. Just walk ahead in the same direction. Forward is easy!
Following a path
On a map, we can follow a path. We start at one place. We want to get to another place. We use left, right, and forward to tell the way.
Worked examples
1. You are at the park gate. The swings are straight ahead. Which way do you go?
- Look at where you are standing now.
- Look at where the swings are.
- The swings are straight in front of you.
- So you go forward!
2. You walk forward to the tree. The shop is on your left side. Which way do you turn?
- You are at the tree now.
- The shop is on your left side.
- Make an L with your hands to find left.
- Turn left to reach the shop!
3. You are facing the school. The library is on your right. Which way do you turn?
- You are looking at the school.
- The library is on your right side.
- Your right hand is the one that doesn't make an L.
- Turn right to go to the library!
Try it yourself
You are at the bus stop. Walk forward to the lamp post. Then turn left. Where do you end up?
Ready to test yourself?
Take a short topic test — every question maps to a syllabus point so you’ll see exactly which parts you’ve mastered.