What children will learn
- Use a key, symbols and compass directions
- Understand a bird's-eye view
- Give and follow directions
You'll need
- A large sheet of paper
- Pencils and colouring pencils
- A ruler
- A compass app (optional)
Safety first
- Walk with an adult and take care crossing roads.
How to do it
- Go for a walk around your block (with an adult) and note landmarks: parks, shops, a big tree, the school.
- At home, draw the streets from above. Add a north arrow at the top.
- Create symbols for each landmark and explain them in a key in the corner.
- Add an approximate scale — for example, one ruler-centimetre equals one house.
- Test it: write directions from home to a landmark (‘go north two blocks, turn east…’) and have someone follow them on the map.
Make it easier
Map one room or the backyard instead.
Make it harder
Compare your map with an online map and use grid references (A1, B2) to locate places.
Parent tip: Ask your child to guide the next family walk using their map.
Fantastic work! Every little step helps you grow.