Translate polygons in the first quadrant

I can translate polygons in the first quadrant.

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Year 4

Translate polygons in the first quadrant

I can translate polygons in the first quadrant.

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Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Move the point in the horizontal direction in the translation.
Move the point in the vertical direction in the translation,
The shape made with the new points should be exactly the same shape and size as the original shape.

Keywords

Vertex / vertices - A vertex is the point where two or more lines meet. The plural is vertices.
Translate - Translation is a transformation in which every point of a shape moves the same distance in the same direction.

Common misconception

Pupils might mistakenly alter the shape or size of the polygon during translation, thinking the process involves resizing or reshaping.

Emphasise that translation is a "sliding" motion that moves the shape without changing its size or orientation. Demonstrate this with cut-out shapes that can be physically moved on a grid, showing that the shape remains identical after translation.

Encourage students to carefully count each square during translation, using a ruler or finger to help guide their counting. Practice with simpler translations and gradually increase complexity as their confidence builds.

Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).