North, south, east and west let everyone describe a direction in the same way, wherever they are standing. At Compass Crossroads, Year 2 explorers make quarter and half turns and find directions on a map.
What your child will learn
- Name the four compass directions in order
- Work out where you face after a quarter or half turn
- Know that north is usually at the top of a map
- Name the directions in between, such as north-east
Turning round the compass
Going clockwise the directions are North, East, South, West. A quarter turn to the right moves you one step round; a quarter turn to the left moves you one step back; a half turn leaves you facing the opposite way.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. You are facing South. You make a quarter turn to the right. Which way are you facing now?
- North
- East
- South
- West
Show answer
Answer: West. Going clockwise, the directions are North, East, South, West. A quarter turn to the right from South is West.
2. Which direction is opposite East?
- North
- East
- South
- West
Show answer
Answer: West. East and West point opposite ways.
3. In which direction does the sun set?
- North
- East
- South
- West
Show answer
Answer: West. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Tips for grown-ups
- Find which way your front door faces using a phone compass.
- Give each other compass directions for a treasure hunt in the garden or park.
- Watch where the sun sets from your home: that way is west.