Reading Maths
Maths hiding in reading: story maps
Map a character's journey with directions and distances.
Quick answer
Story maps help children understand how far characters travel, where they go, and how long it takes – all using maths like directions, distances, time, and counting.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to use a story map to show a character’s journey using maths like directions, distances, and time. Success signs:- You can draw a simple story map showing where a character goes.
- You can count how many steps or metres a character travels.
- You can tell the time it takes for a character to reach a place.
- You can use simple maths to describe a journey in a story.
Why this matters
When you read a story, you can use maths to understand how far a character walks, how long they take, or how they move through a world. This helps you understand the story better and makes reading more fun. Story maps are used in real life too – like when you plan a trip, follow a recipe, or build a LEGO tower. You’re using maths to help you understand the world around you.How it works
A story map is a way to show a character’s journey using pictures, words, and numbers. You can use maths to show:- How far a character walks or runs
- How long it takes to get somewhere
- Which directions they go (like left, right, up, down)
- How many stops they make
- Choose a character from a story you like
- Draw where they start and where they go
- Use arrows or lines to show the way they move
- Add numbers or words to show distance or time
- Count or measure how far they go
Examples you can see
Let’s imagine a story where a character named Sam walks from his house to the park. Here’s how we can use maths to show Sam’s journey: Step 1: Sam starts at his house. He walks 10 steps to the left. Step 2: Then he walks 5 steps forward to the garden gate. Step 3: Then he walks 15 steps to the right to reach the park. We can show this on a story map with lines and numbers:- House → 10 steps left → Garden gate
- Garden gate → 5 steps forward → Park
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Great Map Quest You are a detective who must find a treasure using a story map. Here’s your quest: Step 1: Start at the big tree in the garden. Draw a line 5 steps to the right. Step 2: Then go 3 steps forward to the pond. Step 3: Then go 4 steps to the left. Step 4: Finally, go 2 steps down to find the treasure. Draw your own story map using a pencil and paper. Add numbers to show how many steps you take. Can you count how many steps you walked in total? Challenge: If each step takes 1 second, how long did it take to reach the treasure? Answer: 5 + 3 + 4 + 2 = 14 steps. 14 seconds.Common mistakes
- Mistake: Forgetting to count the total steps in a journey. Why it happens: Children might focus only on one part of the journey. Fix: Add all the steps together at the end to see the full journey.
- Mistake: Mixing up left and right directions. Why it happens: Young children sometimes get confused by directions. Fix: Use your hands to show left and right, or draw arrows to help you.
- Mistake: Thinking time is the same as steps. Why it happens: Children might not understand that time and steps are different. Fix: Remember that steps are distance and time is how long it takes.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:- Choosing a story together and asking them to draw a story map
- Using everyday objects like toy cars or blocks to act out a character’s journey
- Counting steps or measuring distances together when walking to the park
- Encouraging them to use words like “forward,” “backward,” “left,” and “right”
- Practising with a simple story and asking questions like “How far did the character walk?”
- “Let’s look at how far the character went.”
- “Can you count the steps they took?”
- “Which direction did they go first?”
- It’s okay if they make mistakes – they’re learning!
- Don’t expect perfect maps – focus on the fun and learning.
- Story maps are about creativity, not perfect maths.
Practice questions
- Tommy walks 6 steps to the right, then 4 steps forward, then 3 steps to the left. How many steps did he walk in total?
- If each step takes 2 seconds, how long did Tommy’s journey take?
- Which direction did Tommy go first?
- Jessica walks 10 steps forward, then 5 steps to the left, then 10 steps backward. How many steps did she walk?
- How long did Jessica’s journey take if each step takes 1 second?
- 6 + 4 + 3 = 13 steps
- 13 × 2 = 26 seconds
- Right
- 10 + 5 + 10 = 25 steps
- 25 × 1 = 25 seconds
FAQ
What is a story map?
A story map is a way to show where a character goes in a story using pictures, lines, and numbers. It helps you understand the journey and use maths to describe it.
How can I use story maps at home?
You can use story maps when reading books, playing games, or even walking around your house. Draw where you go, count your steps, and use maths to describe your journey.
Can I use story maps for any story?
Yes! Any story with a character who moves from one place to another can be turned into a story map. It works with fairy tales, adventure stories, or even your own made-up stories.
Why is using maths in reading helpful?
It helps you understand stories better, makes reading more fun, and shows how maths is part of everyday life. You’re not just learning maths – you’re using it to solve puzzles and explore stories!
Can I make a story map with my friends?
Yes! You can work together to make a story map. One person can tell a story, and others can draw the journey. It’s a fun way to learn and play!