Transformations at math grade 8

I have noticed that grid papers play a critical role for the learners to grasp the concept of transformation at early stages before it gets to abstract. I plan to use some pictures dram in a grid paper/dot paper so as to carefully show that there is some sense in common axes and thus be able even to introduce formalization of concepts like reflection, translation and rotation. I believe that all of as math teachers should start to see value in groundwork before introducing abstract concepts.