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Story Maps maths mission

Reading Maths

Story Maps maths mission

A junior real-world challenge using story maps to practise position without feeling like a worksheet.

Quick answer

Story Maps maths mission is a fun way to learn about position and direction using story maps – like the ones you might use to find your way through a book, game, or adventure. You'll learn where things are and how to describe where they are using words like 'above', 'below', 'left', 'right', 'in front of', 'behind', 'next to', and 'between'.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to describe where things are in a story map using clear position words. Success signs:

You can say where characters or objects are in a story map
You can use position words like 'above', 'below', 'left', 'right' to describe where things are
You can follow directions using position words to move through a story map
You can make your own simple story map with position words

Why this matters

Position words help you understand where things are in the world around you. Whether you're reading a story, playing a game, or following directions to find your way, knowing where things are helps you move around better and understand the space around you. This skill is used in many real-life situations – like when you're walking to school, setting the table, or playing hide and seek.

How it works

You can use story maps to learn about position by:

Looking at a map of a story world
Identifying where characters or objects are
Using position words to describe where they are
Following directions to move from one place to another

Think of a story map like a treasure map. It shows where things are and how to get from one place to another. You can use words like:

Left and right
Up and down
In front of and behind
Next to and between

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine a story map for a fairy tale adventure. The map shows:

A castle in the middle
A dragon in the sky above the castle
A bridge in front of the castle
A tree behind the castle
A fairy house next to the tree
A pond between the tree and the bridge

Try this: If you were going from the bridge to the fairy house, you would go:

Behind the castle
Next to the tree
Then to the fairy house

You can also draw your own story map. For example, you could draw a map of your bedroom:

The bed is in front of the window
The desk is next to the bed
The lamp is above the desk
The bookshelf is behind the bed
The toy box is between the bed and the desk

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Lost Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt in a story world. You start at the old oak tree. Here’s how to move from place to place using position words.

Start at the old oak tree
Go behind the tree
Go next to the small stone
Go between the two rocks
Go in front of the big boulder
Go above the treasure chest
Go below the treasure chest
Go to the right of the chest
Go to the left of the chest
Go in front of the chest

Can you draw your own treasure map? Draw a simple map of your home or garden and label where things are using position words.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Confusing left and right when facing the same direction as the map
Why it happens: Children often get confused when they are looking at a map and don't know which side is left or right.
Fix: Use your hands to point. If you're looking at a map and pointing to the right, your right hand is pointing to the right side of the map.
Mistake: Not using the correct direction words
Why it happens: Some children mix up words like 'in front of' and 'behind' or 'above' and 'below'.
Fix: Practice with real objects. Place a toy in front of a chair, then behind it. Then ask: "Where is the toy?"
Mistake: Thinking position words are only for maps
Why it happens: Children might think position words only apply to maps or books, not to real life.
Fix: Point to things around you and ask: "Where is the cup? Is it above, below, next to, or behind the plate?"

Parent and carer guide

Encourage exploration: Ask your child to describe where things are in your home or garden using position words. For example: "Where is the cat? Is it under the table or next to the couch?"
Use real-life examples: When you're out walking, ask your child to describe where they see things: "Where is the bus stop? Is it in front of or behind the shop?"
Play games: Make a simple game where you place objects in a room and ask your child to find them using position words.
Draw together: Draw a simple story map of your child’s favourite story or game and label where characters are using position words.
Be patient: It's okay if your child gets confused at first. Keep practicing and using the words in everyday life.

Practice questions

Where is the bird in relation to the tree? Answer: The bird is above the tree.
If a book is behind a chair, where is the chair in relation to the book? Answer: The chair is in front of the book.
Where is the toy box in relation to the bed? Answer: The toy box is next to the bed.
If a flower is between two rocks, which rock is to the left and which is to the right? Answer: The rock on the left is to the left of the flower, and the rock on the right is to the right of the flower.
Where is the lamp in relation to the desk? Answer: The lamp is above the desk.

FAQ

What is a story map?

A story map is a visual way to show where things are in a story. It helps you understand the setting and how characters move around.

Why do we use position words?

Position words help us understand where things are in space. They are useful in reading, games, and everyday life when we need to find our way or describe where something is.

Can I use position words in my own stories?

Yes! You can describe where characters are in your story using words like "above", "below", "in front of", "behind", "next to", and "between".

How can I practice more?

You can practice by drawing your own story maps, playing games with position words, or describing where things are in your home or garden.

Are story maps only for reading?

No! Story maps are used in games, puzzles, and even in real life when you're trying to find your way or plan a route.