Navigation
Learning how to describe a path from one place to another.
Imagine you are a tiny ant trying to find its way from your front door to the big sidewalk. How would you tell your ant friends exactly which way to go so they don't get lost?
Every journey starts somewhere! Your front door is your starting point. A path is the way you walk to get from one place to another. To help others follow your path, you need to look at what is around you. Are there three stairs? Is there a big oak tree? These are called landmarks. Landmarks are like giant 'You Are Here' stickers on the ground. When we describe a path, we are making a verbal map for our friends to follow.
Quick Check
What is the name of the place where your journey from home usually begins?
Answer
The front door.
When we tell a story about a walk, we use special sequence words. These words help people know what to do in the right order so they don't get confused.
1. First: This is what you do at the very start ( step). 2. Next: This is what you do after the first step ( step). 3. Last: This is the very end of your walk ( step).
Using these words is like putting the pieces of a puzzle together in a straight line!
Let's practice using our words for a short trip: 1. First, I walk out the front door. 2. Next, I walk past the big flower pot. 3. Last, I stop at the silver mailbox.
Quick Check
Which word do we use to describe the very end of our path?
Answer
Last
While you walk on your path, you might see important safety signs. These signs are there to protect everyone! The most famous one is the Stop Sign. It is red and has sides. It tells cars and walkers to wait and look both ways. You might also see a Pedestrian Crossing sign. This sign usually shows a person walking. It tells you that this is a safe place to cross to the other side of the street. Always look for these signs before you reach the sidewalk!
Imagine you are walking to the sidewalk with your mom. 1. First, you walk down the driveway. 2. Next, you see a red sign with sides. You tell your mom, 'Look! A Stop Sign!' 3. Last, you reach the sidewalk and wait for a grown-up to hold your hand.
Can you put this path in order? - We reach the sidewalk. - We walk out the door. - We pass the garden.
Answer: First, we walk out the door. Next, we pass the garden. Last, we reach the sidewalk!
Which word should you use to start your directions?
What color is a Stop Sign?
A 'landmark' is something like a tree or a statue that helps you know where you are.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to remember the three 'order words' we use to give directions.
Practice Activity
With a grown-up, walk from your front door to the sidewalk. Use your 'order words' out loud as you walk: 'First, I... Next, I... Last, I...'