Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Four Quadrant Treasure Map: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 6
- ForYear 6
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Four Quadrant Treasure Map is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 6 (ages 10 to 11). Children read clues, plot start points on the full coordinate grid and work out where each move ends, so they can find the gold. It needs only a pencil and squared paper, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help for children who find it hard and a stretch idea.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children act as treasure hunters. Each clue gives a start point and a move. They draw their own grid on squared paper, plot the start point and follow the move to see where it ends. Some clues move in one direction only, so they are a good place to begin. Other clues cross the axes into different quadrants. Children check each clue against their plotted point to find the gold.
Worked example: a move across the axes
A pirate starts at (2, 1). He moves 3 left and 4 down. Where does he end up?
This is a different clue from the ones on the sheet. It shows two ways to work out where a move ends.
Method 1: change one number at a time- Start at (2, 1). The first number is across. The second number is up or down.
- Moving 3 left changes the first number. 2 take away 3 is negative 1. You are now at (negative 1, 1).
- Moving 4 down changes the second number. 1 take away 4 is negative 3.
- Draw the grid and mark the point (2, 1).
- Count 3 squares left, saying the numbers as you cross zero: 1, 0, negative 1.
- From there count 4 squares down: 0, negative 1, negative 2, negative 3. Mark the end point.
Get your grid ready
Draw the axes
On squared paper, draw one horizontal line and one vertical line that cross in the middle. Use a ruler. The point where they cross is the origin, (0, 0).
Number each axis
Number both lines from negative 8 to 8, one number for each square line. Write the numbers neatly so they are easy to read.
Label the quadrants
The two axes split the grid into four quadrants. Shade or label each one in a different colour so children can name them quickly.
Keep a spare grid
Draw a second grid for practice. Children can try a move there first, then copy the final answer to their main grid.
Coordinates and the four quadrants
Coordinates give every point on a grid its own address. They are written in brackets with a comma between the two numbers. The first number tells you how far to go across. The second tells you how far to go up or down. The order matters, because two points with the same numbers swapped are in different places.
In earlier years, children often work only in the first quadrant, where all numbers are positive. In Year 6 the grid grows to include negative numbers, so it has four quadrants. A translation moves a point a set distance in a direction. The point slides along without turning or changing size, and children work out where it lands.
Coordinates in the real world
- Latitude and longitude are a kind of coordinate system. Together they can name any place on the Earth.
- Ordnance Survey maps use grid references. You read along first, then up, in the same order as coordinates.
- Chess boards use a letter and a number to name every square.
- The point where the two axes cross is called the origin. Its coordinates are (0, 0).
- Swapping the two numbers in a coordinate pair usually takes you to a different point.
Skills and curriculum link
- Reading coordinates
- Plotting points
- Negative numbers
- Translation
- Position and direction
- Reasoning
Ideas to help children with the grid
- Across then upAlways start with the first number and move along the horizontal axis. Then use the second number to move up or down. A saying such as "along the corridor, then up the stairs" can help.
- Zero is the middleOn each axis, zero sits where the lines cross. Numbers on one side of zero are positive. Numbers on the other side are negative.
- Left and downMoving left or down makes the matching number smaller. It is useful to say this aloud as children move their pencil.
- Plot to checkPlot the start point and then the end point. Ask whether the move on the grid matches the words of the clue.
Key words
- CoordinatesA pair of numbers that name a point on a grid. They are written like (3, 2).
- AxisOne of the two number lines on a grid. One goes across and one goes up and down.
- OriginThe point where the two axes cross. Its coordinates are (0, 0).
- QuadrantOne of the four sections of the grid made by the two axes.
- Negative numberA number less than zero. On the grid, it sits to the left of zero or below it.
- TranslationMoving a point in a straight line to a new position without turning it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for yourself, with the notes and ideas.
- Draw a grid from negative 8 to 8 on squared paper. Label both axes clearly.
- Read the first clue aloud. Plot the start point, then move to see where the clue ends.
- Work through the first clue together and talk about each choice. Then let your child try the rest alone.
- Check with page 2, then return another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Start with the clues that only move one way, like clues 3, 4 and 6. Use a finger or pencil tip to move square by square along the grid. Say each number aloud, including the ones below zero. Then try the harder clues.
To stretch confident children
Look at the clues and decide which ones end in the top left quadrant. Then write a new clue of your own that ends at negative 5, negative 5. Swap clues with a friend and see if they can find the end point.
Make it a game
Hide a treasure on your grid and keep its position secret. Give a partner three clues that all start at (0, 0). They follow the clues and plot where they end. Swap roles and see who finds the treasure faster.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child swaps the two numbers and plots the point in the wrong place.
Try thisSay the order aloud each time: along first, then up or down. Plot the point both ways and ask which one matches the clue.
Watch forA child counts the start square as the first step of a move.
Try thisPlace a finger on the start point. Say the first number only when the finger moves to the next square.
Watch forA child moves the wrong way when a number goes below zero.
Try thisMark zero clearly on each axis. Say the numbers as you cross it, such as 1, 0, negative 1, so the pattern is clear.
Talk about it
- How do you know which number to use first when you plot a point?
- What changes when you cross an axis?
- Which direction do you move to go to a smaller number?
- How could you check an end point another way?
- Can you describe where the gold is without using coordinates?
- What would a clue look like if it ended exactly at (0, 0)?
Take it off the page
Chalk grid
Draw a large grid on the playground or driveway with chalk. Children stand on the start point and walk each move. A partner calls out where they end.
Room treasure hunt
Tape a grid on the floor with masking tape, or imagine one across the room. Hide a small item and give coordinate clues to find it.
Secret position game
Each player draws a grid and hides three small crosses. Take turns guessing coordinates to find them. Say "hit" or "miss" each time.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit with your child for the first clue, then let them lead. Ask them to explain each move aloud. If they get stuck, plot the start point together and move one square at a time.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or homework. It fits after teaching the four quadrants and translation. The clues vary, so it works for mixed ability groups with the support and stretch ideas on page 2.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with real maps, board games and drawing grids outdoors. You can reuse it for brothers and sisters, or for revision a few weeks later.
Where this skill fits
Before this, children learn to read and plot coordinates in the first quadrant, where all numbers are positive. They also meet negative numbers in context, such as temperature, and place them on a number line.
After this, children can describe translations and reflections of shapes on the full grid. They can also use coordinates to find missing points in shapes, which builds towards graphs and algebra in secondary school.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Four Quadrant Treasure Map for?
It is written for Year 6 (ages 10 to 11), in Key Stage 2. Children need some familiarity with negative numbers and with plotting points on a grid before they start.
- What will children practise?
Children describe positions on the full coordinate grid, in all four quadrants, and work out where a move ends. This links to the Year 6 National Curriculum strand on geometry: position and direction.
- How do I use it?
Draw a grid from negative 8 to 8 on squared paper. Plot each start point and follow the move to check it matches the clue. Work through the first clue together, then let your child continue.
- What if it feels too hard?
Start with the clues that only move one way, like clues 3, 4 and 6. Use a finger to move along the grid square by square and say the numbers aloud as you cross zero.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision whenever you like.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper, squared paper and a pencil, so it suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. Children read, think and write by hand.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Colour pencils are useful for shading the quadrants on the grid you draw, but they are not essential.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.