🔢 Numbers & shapes · Ages 4–5 · about 2 weeks

Left, Right and Directions

Goal: Use first, second and third, and give and follow directions with forwards, backwards, left and right.

For parents: Left and right take a long time to settle. A sticker or bracelet on the right hand is a helpful reminder for this unit.

Do together

  1. Robot walk

    You need: Some space

    Your child is a robot. Give directions: 'Two steps forward. Turn left. One step back.' Then swap roles.

  2. Toy race line-up

    You need: Five toys

    Line them up for a race. Who came first? Second? Third? Last? Change the order and ask again.

  3. Treasure map

    You need: A small treat, paper

    Hide the treat and draw a simple map of the room with arrows. Your child follows the arrows to find it.

Talk about it

  • Which is your right hand?
  • Who is third in the line?
  • How do I get from the door to the sofa?

Words to use

  • left
  • right
  • forwards
  • backwards
  • first
  • second
  • third
  • last

Play

  • Position Quest
    Position words
  • Number Train
    Number order
  • Shape Detective
    Shape clues
Play these games free

Every game is free for every family until 20 November 2026.

Your child can…

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