Why does my child plot (3, −2) above the x-axis?
Your child leaves out a coordinate's minus sign, such as plotting (3, −2) at (3, 2), above the x-axis instead of below it.
Why children do it
Counting along the grid is the easy part, so the minus sign gets left behind. But it gives the direction: a negative x-coordinate is to the left of the y-axis, and a negative y-coordinate is below the x-axis. Saying each move out loud, right or left, then up or down, catches it.
How to help at home
Ask them to say each move out loud: right or left, then up or down. A minus means left, or down.
The right way
Start at the origin, (0, 0). Move 3 to the left and 5 down. What are the coordinates of the point you reach?
- 0 − 3 = −33 to the left of the origin: x is negative.
- 0 − 5 = −55 down: y is negative too.
- (−3, −5)Across first, then down.
Find out where your child is
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