“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler Yeats
The “Human Compass” game is an example of how to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of cardinal and ordinal directions in a fun and interactive way. As they navigate through the space, following verbal cues, they are not just learning about the cardinal and ordinal directions; they are building a mental map of their surroundings. This kinesthetic approach ensures every child can engage with the concept.
In this activity, learners turned into human compasses. They followed verbal instructions to move around a designated space. The teacher calls out directions, and learners respond by walking, hopping and turning in specific directions. It’s a simple concept, yet it creates an effective learning environment.
The activity makes students visualize their movements and orient themselves in space; by doing so, they develop spatial reasoning skills. They learn by working together to follow directions and reach a common goal, which fosters teamwork and communication. In addition to teaching directions, the Human Compass game fosters a passion for learning.