Draw The? is a fun and focused way to strengthen students’ understanding of grid references while encouraging creativity and precision. This interactive PowerPoint activity challenges students to interpret positional clues and use them to colour squares on a grid, gradually revealing a hidden image.

Each slide provides a set of grid references with colour instructions, and students must follow them carefully to create the intended picture. It’s a visual and engaging way to reinforce mapping and location concepts while developing fine motor control and attention to detail. Answers are included on the following slide, making this a self-checking activity that works well for independent or guided use.

Draw The? can be used in a variety of ways – from digital whole-class challenges on the interactive whiteboard to individual print-and-complete tasks. It’s perfect for small group instruction, as a warm-up or brain break during maths lessons, or as a conclusion activity for reviewing directional and location-based vocabulary in an enjoyable way.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Read and interpret simple grid references to locate positions
• ✅ Follow multi-step directions involving colour and spatial clues
• ✅ Strengthen understanding of rows, columns, and coordinate-like language
• ✅ Develop accuracy and visual discrimination through grid-based tasks
• ✅ Build confidence in using mapping skills in a fun and supportive format

What’s Included:

• PowerPoint presentation with multiple Draw The? puzzles
• Answer slides for each puzzle for easy self-checking or modelling
• Printable worksheet versions for paper-based practice
• Instructions for both digital and print-based implementation

Materials Needed:

• Device with PowerPoint installed
• Interactive whiteboard or projector for class use
• Printed grid sheets (if using the paper version)
• Coloured pencils, markers or digital pen tools

How to Use:

1. Open the PowerPoint and choose a Draw The? puzzle to display.
2. Students read each grid reference and colour the matching square according to the colour listed.
3. You can complete this interactively on the board with student volunteers or assign printed copies for independent work.
4. Reveal the answer slide after completion to check accuracy and celebrate the finished design.
5. Repeat with new puzzles throughout the week as warm-ups, transitions, or review games.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a morning starter or fast finisher activity that builds focus and accuracy
• 💡 Add to your maths rotations as a direction and location-based challenge
• 💡 Project on the board and have teams race to complete the puzzle first
• 💡 Use answer slides for peer checking and small group reflection
• 💡 Combine with graphing or data lessons to reinforce grid vocabulary and layout

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Assign specific colours to each group to track participation during class games
• 💛 Print grids on coloured paper or cardstock for reuse with plastic sleeves and markers
• 💛 Challenge early finishers to create their own Draw The? puzzle for peers to solve
• 💛 Pause mid-task to encourage discussion of grid terminology like “row,” “column,” and “coordinates”

Draw The? is a creative and curriculum-aligned brain break that supports key mathematical concepts in a fun and low-prep format – perfect for whole-class engagement, independent practice, or small group challenges.

This resource is part of our Mathematics Brain Breaks Year 3 & 4 PACKAGE.