Left and right

Grade Level: 1

Objective By the end of the lesson, children should understand the difference between the directions of left and right. This will be the basis for later lessons on direction (e.g., north, south, east, west, etc.)

Teaching method and activities Full class participation; practice in small groups of two or four.

1. Have the whole class stand up and face the same direction (toward you). Now you face away from them so you are all looking in the same direction.
2. Show the class your left hand, then your right hand.
3. Have the class imitate you by showing their left hand, then their right hand.
4. Point out the left eye, then the right eye. Then the left ear, then the right ear. Then the left leg, then the right leg.
5. Have the whole class (including you) turn around and repeat the same thing (with you behind them so you can notice any students having trouble).
6. Place students in pairs, facing each other. Ask the students which seems to be their partner's left hand. Then help them to understand that when facing a person, your left and the other person's left are different.

7. Have the students return to their places. Now introduce the idea of saying "on my left" or "to my left" by asking students: Who is on your right? Who is on your left?

8. Remember! Left and right are used in two ways. One may indicate an object on his or her left or right. But if I am facing that person, the object is on my left or my right.

Time

30-40 minutes

Materials You do not need any specific materials for this lesson

Suggestions/Modifications

  • Students may make up a song, dance, or rap about the different directions.
  • Label left and right directions on the objects in the classroom.
  • Refer to the students left and right when giving directions.
Source The Spark handbook: A guide in Zambia's community schools. Zambia: UNICEF