Maps and Compass Directions — Year 2 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Geography KS1 — geographical skills and fieldwork: use compass directions (N, S, E, W) and locational and directional language
Overview
Pupils develop their ability to use maps, atlases, and simple fieldwork skills. They learn the four compass points (N, S, E, W) and use them to describe location and direction. Pupils apply these skills to explore their school grounds and local area, developing a sense of spatial awareness.
Learning Objectives
- Name and use the four main compass points: North, South, East, West.
- Use compass directions to describe the position of places on a map.
- Use a simple key to read a map.
- Make observations about the local area using a simple map.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Give pupils a simple map of the classroom. Can they find where they are sitting? Introduce the idea that maps help us find our way around. How do we know which direction to go?
Introduce a compass rose with N, S, E, W. Use the mnemonic 'Never Eat Shredded Wheat' (clockwise from N). Show pupils a real compass and explain it always points north. Demonstrate on a map: 'The office is north of the hall; the playground is east of the building.' Use a simple map of the school or local area. Practise using compass directions together.
Pupils use a simplified map of the school or local area. Teacher asks: 'In which direction would you walk from the hall to the playground? What is north of the main entrance?' Pupils record directions on mini whiteboards.
Pupils complete a map activity: given a simple grid map with labelled buildings, write three sentences using compass directions, e.g. 'The shop is south of the park.' Add a compass rose to their own map.
Fieldwork warm-up: go outside with a compass (or chalk directions on the ground). Pupils walk north, south, east, west on command. Ask: which direction does our school face? Which direction is the nearest road?
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils often think north is always 'up' — north is a direction on Earth, and while maps are usually drawn with north at the top, this is a convention, not a rule.
- Confusing left/right with west/east — east and west are fixed directions, unlike left and right which change depending on which way you face.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Awareness of maps as representations of places.
- Basic understanding of the UK and local area.
- Experience using simple maps in previous geography lessons.
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