Learning About Maps

First Grade Reading, Social Studies

From the compass rose to the map key, first grade students will learn about three characteristics that make up
a map. Symbols are used on maps too, as students practice what they can do!

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to identify the compass rose, symbols, and the map key as three different characteristics
of maps.

Materials and preparation Key terms

Follow That Map! by Scot Ritchie map

Map of your choosing compass rose
Compass Rose worksheet symbols
Mini Poster handouts map key
Town Map worksheet
Reading a Map worksheet
Using a Map Key worksheet
Pencils
Sticky notes

Attachments

Compass Rose (PDF)

Mini Poster (PDF)
Town Map (PDF)
Reading a Map (PDF)
Using a Map Key (PDF)
Build a City (PDF)

Introduction (10 minutes)

Show students a map and ask them to identify what it is and what it is used for. Repeat while holding up
the handouts of the compass rose, mini poster symbols, and map key. Be sure to cover the name of each
with sticky notes to reveal at a later time.
After students share their thoughts, take off the sticky notes to reveal each map tool’s name. Display
each picture for the students to refer to.
Tell students that for today’s lesson they will learn the purpose of all three map tools, and how they are
used on a map.

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling (15 minutes)

Read Follow That Map! aloud.

During the read aloud, focus on key terms presented in the introduction. Ask students to point out
examples of each throughout the story.
As students identify key terms, explain that a map is a picture or chart that shows rivers, mountains,
streets, etc. in a certain area, a compass rose is a circle printed on a chart to show direction (N, S, E,
and W), symbols are pictures used to represent a word or group of words, and a map key is a list that

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 explains the symbols on a map.
Display each definition under each visual to create instant mini posters for students to view.

Guided Practice (10 minutes)

Pass out to each student the Town Map worksheet.

Inform students that maps usually have titles, as you point to the top of the map. Ask students to say
aloud the title of this map.
Tell students that they will look at the Town Map to gain practice in identifying symbols and reading a
compass rose and map key.
Ask students to point to the compass rose on the worksheet. Once identified, have students label it with
North, South, West, and East using the first letter only. Remind students to use the mini poster for help.
Next, ask students to identify the map key. Ask students to explain the use of the map key and its
symbols.
Model the first two problems for students, and ask them to complete the third problem on their own.
Walk around the class to monitor students as they are working.
When students have finished, ask for a student volunteer to share their answer, while others check their
own work.

Independent working time (15 minutes)

Ask students to complete the Town Map worksheet.

For early finishers, pass out the Reading a Map worksheet.
Monitor students while they are working, and assist students who need extra support.

Differentiation

Enrichment: For students who need an extra challenge, provide the Build a City worksheet. Using this
worksheet, ask students to determine, in writing, the direction of locations relative to another on the grid
map.
Support: For students needing support, complete the Town Map worksheet as a small group. To provide
support in reading symbols, complete the Reading a Map worksheet in a small group.

Assessment (10 minutes)

To check for understanding, monitor the classroom as students are completing their map worksheets.
Check the correctness of student worksheets.

Review and closing (10 minutes)

At the end of the lesson, check and review the class assignment.
Review any missed problems, and show how to solve them for better understanding.
Ask students to share what they have learned in today’s lesson.

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 COMPASS ROSE

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 Symbols

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 Map Key
or

Legend

HospitalLibraryPark

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A map is a picture or chart
that shows rivers,
mountains, streets, etc. in
a certain area.

A compass rose is a circle

printed on a chart to show
direction (N, S, E, and W.)

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Symbols are pictures used
to represent a word or
group of words.

A map key is a list that

explains the symbols on a
map.

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 TOWN MAP
Larry’s House Kim’s House

SUGAR
ANDREWS STREET

MAPLE
MAPLE PARK

MCBEAN STREET
KEY
Harriet’s House

HOUSE
POLICE STATION SUPERMARKET SCHO
ORANGE

HEMING

DEYOUNG STREET

LABEL the compass rose with N, S, E, W.

Write NORTH, SOUTH, EAST OR WEST to complete each sentence.

1. Harriet heads to go to school.

2. Larry goes to go to Harriet’s house.

3. Kim heads to go to the supermarket.

4. A police officer would go to the supermarket.

5. Kids at school head to play at the park.

6. Harriet’s dad is a police officer. He heads to go

to work.

7. Larry heads to go to school.

8. Kim heads to visit Larry.

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 Build a City
1st Grade Practice Marking Loc
Math
Geometry

Help Cindy the city planner do her job by drawing pictures on the map
according to the key below.

B4 = E3 = D1 = $ Bank
Housing
Central park

D2 = B1 = E4 =
School
Train station
Pocket Park

1
A B C D E
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