Where Things Are, and Lines
Primary 1 · Mathematics
Where Things Are, and Lines
Lesson 2 of 3
10 min
Let's begin
Mutesi is sent to fetch the chalk.
The teacher says it is on the shelf on her left.
Mutesi stops. Both shelves look the same to her.
Today you will always know your left from your right.
Hold up both hands in front of you.
Turn your palms away from your face.
Point your thumbs out. Point your first fingers up.
One hand makes the letter L. That hand is your left hand.
The other hand is your right hand.
Say both names out loud. Left. Right.
Put your left hand on your left ear.
Everything on that side of you is on your left.
Now turn and face the other way.
Your left hand is still your left hand.
But now it points at a new wall.
Careful! Left is not a place in the room. Left is a side of you.
Keza stands facing you. She lifts her right hand.
Her hand comes up on your left side.
That feels wrong, but it is true. Facing swaps the sides.
Fix it with your body. Stand behind Keza.
Look the same way she is looking. Now her left is your left.
Mugisha wants the door. He faces the blackboard.
You tell him: walk forward, then turn to your right.
Say your right, not my right. He is the one walking.
Practise left and right with your own hands.
Tip
Make the L with your hands
Palms away from your face. Thumbs out.
The hand that makes a clean L is your left hand.
Do it under the desk when you forget. Nobody has to see.
Do each one with your own body, then tap Show answer to check.
You hold a pencil in your left hand. Which hand is empty?
Answer: your right hand. You have only two hands.
Put your right hand on your left knee. Did your arm cross your body?
Answer: yes. The two sides are opposite, so the arm must cross.
Ishimwe faces you. He lifts the hand on your right side. Which hand is it?
Answer: his left hand. Facing you swaps the sides.
You face the door. The window is on your left. You turn around. Where is the window now?
Answer: on your right. You turned, the window did not.
Tell someone the way from your door to where you sleep. Use the words left and right.
Answer: any way that uses left and right is good. Walk it and check.
What you learned today
Quick check
Palms away, thumbs out. Which hand makes the letter L?
