Read Directions to Get to a Location
CLB Level: 3Essential Skills Focus: DocumentUse (read a map/written directions, write simple directions), Oral Communication (Listening – following instructions – this activity can be changed into a listening activity)
Task: Read written directions on how to get to a location
Purpose: Students will
- Be able to read and understand a map
- Follow written directions to get to a location
Learning Style: Visual, auditory, kinaesthetic
Time: 3-4 lessons / Method:
- Pre-teach vocabulary:
- Head east on ______.
- Turn right/left at ______. Go north on_____.
- Head toward ______. Continue on ______.
- Pass ______. Hit St. Mary Ave.
- Tracks, set of lights, etc.
- Draw a simplified map on the board with the streets you will use in activity A. Use this simplified map to teach the vocabulary and practice directions. As a whole group activity start by giving students one-to two step
following directions.
- Now, using a real map, have students look at the map carefully and see if they recognize the streets they had been working on when using the simplified map. Ask them to compare the real map and the teacher-made version. Have them point out the differences and similarities. Ask them to find the streets you will be using in activity A (attached).
- Start with simple directions again as in the previous activity and gradually increase the number of steps. Write the directions on the board. Read and do a few sets of directions together. Have students take turns following directions. Have them practice similar directions as in activity A (attached) working in pairs. And finally, have them try doing activity A.
location to another of their choice (e.g. from home to
school). In pairs they switch written directions and
mark their starting points for each other. Students
read the directions and see if they can get to the
right destination.
Debrief/Transfer: Do a search. Students go around
the classroom asking if people have used written
directions before, if they would use them now, and if
yes, where or when would they use them?
Student Handout
Activity A
Read (or listen to) the directions. Highlight the path/way on the map according to the directions.
Directions A:
- You are at 696 Portage Ave.
- Head east on Portage Ave. toward Maryland St.
- Turn right at Maryland St and right again at Broadway
- Turn left at Portage Ave.
- Turn right at Strathcona St.
- Turn left at Sargent Ave.
- After the tracks, you will see Superstore on your left.
Directions B:
- You are at 700 Elgin.
- Turn right at Sherbrook St.
- Turn right at Notre Dame Ave.
- Turn left at Maryland St.
- Pass Portage Ave.
- Continue on Maryland. Tim Horton’s is on your left.
Teacher Instructions for Activity A:
Teachers provide the map. On the map students see point A (as their starting point) and by following the written directions they have to get to point B (destination point).
Maps can be printed off the Internet – Google Maps:
- Type your starting point address, city and click on map.
- Click on From here and type in the destination address.
- Click on GO.
- Print your map for activities A and B.
Reading Instructions/Directions
Outcome Assessment Task: Match simple directions to the corresponding map
Activity B
Instructions:
Match the directions to the maps.
- Driving directions to Winnipeg Clinic - 425 St Mary Avenue
You are at Portage Place Mall
Head southwest on Portage Ave toward Kennedy St
Turn left at Kennedy St
Turn right at St Mary Ave
- Driving directions to Winnipeg Adult Education Centre -310 Vaughan Street
696 Portage Ave
Head east on Portage Ave toward Maryland St
Turn left at Memorial Blvd
Continue on Colony St
Turn right at Webb Pl
Turn right at Vaughan St
(Maps can be printed off the Internet – Google Maps – see steps above)
WinnipegSchool Division Adult EAL ProgramEssential Skill Focus: Document Use / Oral Communication
Author: Ana AzevedoCLB level: 3