Maps show students everything from the layout of a room to the setting for a book to how a storm moves. Students need to have lots of experience with maps, and they’re fun to use too! Use our free printable bundle of Map Skills Worksheets to teach students all about maps and how to use them.
Plus, click the button below to receive your own copy of our map skills activity!
What are map skills?
Map skills are the knowledge and ability students have to read and use maps for everything from planning a trip to gathering data and understanding trends. Students start learning about maps in kindergarten and use them their whole lives. Yes, they’re a school skill, but reading maps is also a practical skill that can engage students in other topics.
Some map skills that students will learn with these Map Skills Worksheets:
- Spatial awareness, or understanding where things are spatially
- Visualization, or being able to visualize scenarios or situations
- How to read and understand scale
- How to follow directions using a map
- How to use a grid
- Map symbols
- How to follow and read a compass
Map Skills Worksheets and Activities
Use these Map Skills Worksheets to engage students in map skills during reading, math, and social studies.
Map a Room
Use this map to help students understand the basics of maps and how to use them. Students cut out the images and place them on the map grid to create a map of a classroom or bedroom. Then, have students share their map with a peer. Can they describe the map using the grid? Can they use the map to describe the room as their peer would experience it? For example, when you enter, do you turn right or left to see the desk?
Another way to use this map is to have students give someone else directions to create a room. Where do they want their peer to put the teacher’s desk? The student desks? Both of these activities teach students how to visualize and talk about mapping. They’re also great ways to build communication and cooperation.
Once Upon a Time Map
Choose a classic fairy tale and map the setting. Where is the witch’s cottage in relation to Hansel and Gretel’s house? Where is Grandma’s house compared to Little Red Riding Hood’s house? Mapping a story they know helps students visualize the story setting, learn directional terms, and construct a simple map.
Another way to use this map is to have students create their own fairy-tale world. What elements would their fairy-tale world include? Students can create their world, then pass their map to a peer who uses the map to write a short fairy tale that could take place in this world.
Going to the Zoo Grid
Once students have mastered the basic map, have them start to work with different types of grids. We have two grid maps to choose from, one with larger blocks and one with smaller blocks. Depending on their age, students work with a larger or smaller grid.
Students can use a zoo grid map to plan the zoo they want to visit. They draw features onto the map (a lion’s den, a birdhouse, a cotton candy stand, a carousel, etc.). Then, they calculate how much space each takes up by counting the blocks or by calculating area and perimeter.
Another way to use this map is to create a zoo map and have students plan a day at the zoo using this map. What animals will they see and in which order? Students can write out their schedule and the directions they need to take to get from place to place.
Park Map
Reading maps is another important map skill. Use this map to practice giving and receiving directions. First, explain the various parts of the map to students, e.g., the compass and the key. Then, ask questions and have students use their map to find the answers.
Some questions you can ask:
- How many benches are in the park?
- If I want to go to the swing set, how many benches do I pass?
- If I am starting at the swing set, can you give me directions to get to the pond?
- If I want to plant another flower garden, where is a good place to do that?
- If I were standing at the swings and wanted to walk to the pond, which direction would I walk in?
Once they are familiar with the map, students can work in partners to ask each other questions about the map.
Hidden Treasure Map
Students can use this Map Skills Worksheet again and again. First, they “hide” the treasure on the map. Then, a partner guesses where the treasure is hidden by asking questions (is the treasure near the mountains?) or guessing the grid coordinates. Students can play the game as often as they want by changing where the treasure is located. Either print out a stack of pirate maps, or laminate two pirate maps and provide students with toys to place on the map to show where the treasure is hidden.
The Map Where It Happens
This mapping activity makes mapping more relevant for students. Use the grid map to map your neighborhood as closely as possible. Place your school on the map. Then, students indicate where different events happen.
- Where do kids play basketball or soccer after school?
- Where do kids trick-or-treat for Halloween?
- Where do students live?
- What routes do students take when they walk home?
- Which parks are best to play at?
Get my printable bundle!
Get all the Map Skills Worksheets by clicking the button and filling out the form on this page.