Left and Right

Overview

This lesson is designed for Reception students (ages 4-5) as part of the unit "Map Adventures in Essex." It focuses on developing spatial awareness by teaching the concepts of left and right through engaging, hands-on activities. Children will identify their own left and right sides and apply this knowledge while moving around the classroom. This practical understanding supports early geography skills, meeting the objectives of the National Curriculum for England for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

National Curriculum Links

EYFS - Understanding the World: People, Culture and Communities

Children talk about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects, materials and living things.
They know about similarities and differences in relation to places and objects.
They use positional language (e.g., behind, next to), which is a precursor to directional language.

Curriculum Goals Addressed:

Develop their spatial awareness through physical movement and interaction.
Learning to follow simple instructions related to directionality.
Communicate and understand spatial concepts relevant to their own experience and environment.

Lesson Details

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 14 students
Materials:

Left and right handprints (laminated)
Colourful arrows (left and right)
Classroom map layout (simple floor plan)
Soft floor markers or tape
Small toy figures or puppets
Music player

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, children will:

Correctly identify their own left and right hands.
Understand and use the terms "left" and "right" when following and giving simple directions.
Follow a sequence of instructions incorporating left/right turns to navigate around the classroom.
Work cooperatively in small groups to complete direction-based challenges.

Lesson Structure

1. Starter (10 minutes)

Activity: “Which Hand?”

Greet students and briefly recap the previous lesson (if applicable).
Show laminated handprints labelled “Left” and “Right.” Hold up one of your hands and ask students to show the corresponding hand.
Play a quick game where the teacher calls out “Show me your left hand!” or “Show me your right hand!” and children respond accordingly. Encourage children to repeat the words aloud.
Use a mirror or video if available for children to visually confirm their left and right sides.

Assessment: Informal observation of individual student responses.

2. Main Activity 1 (15 minutes)

Activity: “Left and Right Simon Says”

Play a version of Simon Says focusing on left and right movements: “Simon says, touch your left ear”, “Simon says, put your right hand up,” etc.
Gradually increase complexity by combining movements: “Simon says move one step to your left,” “Simon says turn right,” etc.
Encourage children to say the direction words aloud as they move.

Assessment: Teacher notes children’s ability to distinguish their left and right accurately and respond to instructions.

3. Main Activity 2 (20 minutes)

Activity: “Classroom Direction Journey”

Prepare a simple route around the classroom indicated by coloured arrows taped on the floor (left and right arrows).
In small groups (2-3 children), challenge students to follow verbal instructions with left and right turns (e.g., "Take two steps forward, turn left at the red arrow, take three steps and turn right at the blue arrow").
Use toy figures or puppets to model the journey first. Children then take turns leading and following the directions.
Encourage children to verbalise the instructions as they move to reinforce learning.

Assessment: Use a short checklist to mark children’s accuracy in following directions and working cooperatively.

4. Plenary (10 minutes)

Activity: “Story Time with Directions”

Read a short story involving direction and movement (e.g., a simple tale where a character moves left and right in their adventure).
Pause periodically and ask children "Which way should the character go now?"
Invite some children to demonstrate with their hands or physical movement the direction the character chooses.

Assessment: Observe children’s understanding of left/right through their answers and actions.

5. Cool Down (5 minutes)

Activity: “Left and Right Freeze Dance”

Play music and have children dance freely. When the music stops, call out “Left!” or “Right!” and children must freeze posing on that side (e.g., put left hand on head).
Repeat a few times and praise positive participation.

Differentiation

For children needing extra support: Pair with a peer buddy for hands-on guidance during activities. Use visual aids extensively.
For more able children: Challenge them with longer sequences involving left and right turns or asking them to give instructions to peers.

Assessment and Next Steps

Teacher will record observations of each child’s ability to identify left and right, follow instructions, and use directional language confidently.
Children who are confident will be encouraged to use directional vocabulary in the next lesson (e.g., forwards and backwards, up and down).
Identify children who need further practice with left/right concepts and include additional focused activities in future lessons.

Teacher Notes and Tips

Use consistent language: emphasise “left” and “right” clearly and frequently throughout the lesson.
Keep instructions simple and paired with visual/movement cues.
Ensure safety while moving around the classroom by organising small groups and clear boundaries.
Use encouragement and celebration to build confidence and enjoyment of spatial language.
Capture photos or videos (if permitted) for reflective practice and to share with parents.

This lesson plan brings geography alive through interactive learning of fundamental directional concepts essential for young children's spatial development and early map skills. The carefully scaffolded activities ensure children meet EYFS goals within "Understanding the World" and prepare them well for future geographical knowledge acquisition.

Teaching Instructions