My world and community
Map My Classroom
Draw a bird’s-eye map of your classroom with a key and a compass rose.
Thinking sheet · My world and community
Compass Directions
Label a compass rose, then follow north, south, east and west directions to move a character around a grid.
- Grades
- 1–4
- Time
- about 20 minutes
- Kids practice
- map skills, cardinal directions, following steps
What kids do
“Never Eat Soggy Waffles! Learn your directions and find the treasure.”
- Draw a compass rose. Label N, E, S and W.
- Draw a treasure map. Start in the middle.
- Directions to my treasure (like “3 squares north”)
- From our classroom door, the playground is to the…
How to run it
- Find north in the room with a phone compass and tape up signs.
- The memory trick goes clockwise from the top.
- Partners swap maps and follow each other’s directions.
Talk about it
- Which direction does the sun rise?
- Why do maps put north at the top?
- What other memory trick could you make?
Take it further
Add NE, SE, SW and NW to your compass.
Pairs well with
Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.
More thinking sheets
My world and community
Me on the Map
Zoom out from your street to your town, your country, your continent and the whole planet.
My world and community
Who Helps Our Town?
Draw six community helpers at work and write how each one keeps the town running.
My world and community
When I Grow Up
Draw yourself at a job you might love, with the uniform, tools and workplace.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.