A Following Directions Activity That Introduces Early Coding Skills

Understanding how to give and follow directions is an important foundation for both mathematics and digital technologies. This interactive robot activity helps students practise using directional language such as forwards, backwards, left and right while developing their understanding of position, movement and sequencing.

Students follow and create simple algorithms to move a robot to different locations and collect objects. By giving and interpreting step-by-step instructions, they learn how precise directions are needed for successful navigation. This hands-on approach builds confidence with spatial awareness, problem-solving and computational thinking in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Fun Ways to Explore Directional Words in the Classroom

This resource offers plenty of opportunities for students to practise directional words through interactive and collaborative learning experiences.

Try using it in the following ways:

• Robot programmers – Students work in pairs, with one student acting as the programmer and the other as the robot.
• Human robot challenge – Create a life-sized grid in the classroom and have students follow directions physically.
• Treasure hunts – Hide objects around the room and have students write directions to help classmates find them.

Download This Positional Words Resource Today

This engaging positional words and coding activity is available in editable PowerPoint and Google Slides versions. Simply use the download button to access the resource and begin building students’ confidence with directions, movement and algorithms.

Please note that you will be prompted to make your own copy of the Google Slides file before editing.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a TeachStarter collaborator.

More Ways to Help Your Students Practise Following Directions

Click below for more curriculum-aligned resources that help students develop algorithms, positional language and problem-solving skills.

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