Directions and Maps

As part of the second grade standards and curriculum, students will learn and practice map skills this week in Social Studies, specifically using a compass and moving within a grid.  For our first lesson, I will make a huge grid and compass rose on the floor using masking tape. 

We will talk about directions and related directions and maps to hiking on a trail.  Once we have talked about directions, students will learn how to move within the grid.  For example, a student may be asked to move 3 units south, and 2 units east.  The class will learn what this looks like by being actively involved in a hands-on approach to learning.  Later in the week, we will put these skills to use by going outside and completing a scavenger hunt (weather permitting).