LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Tabletop grids

Students will play a review game in small groups using large grids to develop skill in locating and naming points on grid maps.

A lesson plan for grade 3 Mathematics

By Monica Delanoy

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  • Pattern block addition: Students will practice addition, problem solving, and writing equations in the context of a fun and challenging pattern game.
  • Human coordinate graph: Students will actively learn how to plot ordered pairs on a coordinate plane. They will also learn how to connect ordered pairs to graph a picture.
  • Step right up!: The students will learn to name an ordered pair for a point and plot positions named by an ordered pair on a large grid located on the classroom floor.

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

  • locate given points on a grid map.
  • name given points on a grid map.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

45 minutes

Materials/resources

  • Rectangular Tables or taped off rectangles on the floor (one for each group of 6 students)
  • Masking Tape (colored tape if available)
  • Candy
  • Post-it-Notes
  • Index Cards

Pre-activities

Teacher will use masking tape to create a grid map on the tables. There should be at least 4 horizontal lines and 6 vertical lines. Post-it notes will be used to label each line. Candy will be placed on various coordinates on the grid map. This can also be done on an area on the floor if tables are not available. Teacher will make game cards by putting each possible coordinate point onto individual index cards.

Activities

  1. Students will name points on which there is candy as a group.
  2. The teacher (or other student if used as a center activity) will call out various points using the index cards. Students will take turns locating the points. If there is a piece of candy at the point, the student may take it. All students should get several turns to ensure that everyone gets a chance at a piece of candy.
  3. Students will then write the rules for the game (ie., the first number means count across; the second number means count up) in their own words.

Assessment

  • Teacher observation of naming points correctly.
  • Teacher and peer observation of students locating points throughout the game.
  • Written application of the steps in point location.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 3

  • Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will recognize and use basic geometric properties of two- and three-dimensional figures.
    • Objective 3.02: Use a rectangular coordinate system to solve problems.
      • Graph and identify points with whole number and/or letter coordinates.
      • Describe the path between given points on the plane.