Summer Block 5: Shape, Position, and Direction

In this block, pupils explore various concepts around shapes, position, and direction, focusing on pattern rules, positional language, and map-making. This comprehensive approach helps pupils develop both spatial awareness and logical thinking.

Week 8: Pattern Rules and Creation

In Week 8, the focus is on identifying, creating, and exploring pattern rules. Pupils begin by recognising simple repeating patterns, such as those based on colour, shape, or size. By understanding the rule behind these patterns, they develop a logical way of thinking. The key skill they acquire here is recognising the regularity in the world around them, which will support later learning in other areas of mathematics.

After identifying existing patterns, pupils progress to creating their own pattern rules. This activity encourages them to think creatively and experiment with different elements, such as shapes and colours, to form new patterns. By applying their knowledge, pupils gain a deeper understanding of how patterns work and how they can be used to solve problems. This step allows them to explore more complex patterns and helps them recognise the importance of patterns in daily life.

Week 9: Position, Direction, and Building with Shapes

Week 9 introduces the concept of position and direction. Pupils begin by building simple scenes and structures using shapes. This hands-on activity helps them understand how the arrangement of shapes changes based on their position and orientation. By manipulating the shapes and rearranging them, pupils gain an understanding of spatial relationships and how objects fit together in space.

The next step is to encourage pupils to look at objects from different positions, such as from above, below, or to the side. This is an important skill that helps them develop spatial awareness and recognise how the position of an object affects its appearance. It also sets the stage for later learning in geometry and other areas.

Pupils also start to describe the positions of objects using language such as “next to,” “above,” “below,” and “between.” This reinforces their understanding of relative positions and helps them develop the vocabulary needed to explain spatial concepts. Being able to use positional language accurately is an essential skill that supports not only mathematics but also communication in everyday life.

Week 10: Exploring Maps

In Week 10, pupils are introduced to the concept of maps. They learn that a map is a way of representing real-world places and spaces, and they explore how different objects and places can be represented on a flat surface. This is a crucial skill for both mathematics and geography.

Pupils create their own maps, first by drawing maps of familiar places, such as their classroom or playground. This helps them understand how maps can be used to represent spaces. To deepen their understanding, pupils then create maps based on stories they have heard, bringing abstract concepts into the real world. They may also use models to represent these maps, which helps them visualise the spaces they are mapping.

Creating maps also gives pupils a tangible understanding of space and location. This hands-on approach is particularly helpful for developing spatial reasoning skills and provides a concrete way of representing abstract ideas. By the end of this week, pupils will have learned how to represent real-world locations and will be able to draw simple maps based on both familiar and imaginative places.

ELG

Share their creations, explaining the process they have used.

Conclusion

By the end of Summer Block 5, pupils will have gained a solid understanding of shapes, position, and direction. They will be able to identify and create patterns, describe positions accurately, and use maps to represent real spaces. These skills not only support their mathematical development but also lay the foundation for future learning in geography, geometry, and other areas that require spatial awareness and logical thinking.

Throughout the block, pupils are encouraged to explore, create, and experiment, helping them develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for their continued learning. This block of learning aligns with the White Rose progression, ensuring that pupils build on prior knowledge while deepening their understanding of shapes, position, and direction.