The coordinate plane

Target: Name the quadrant of a point from the signs of its coordinates.

Language target: Say the horizontal move before the vertical move.

Likely miss: Students name the quadrant from the first sign they notice.

Ask: Which direction did you move first?

If you see it: Trace x from the origin first, then y.

Evidence to listen for: The student moves horizontally before vertically.

Next: If the axes are swapped, have the student say “x, then y” aloud.

Observable student moves: names both quantities, uses the represented relationship, and revises after feedback. This companion is not a score.