How to Teach Map Features: Lessons for Second Graders

Maps are a fantastic tool to help children visualize and understand the world around them. They can transport kids to different places and times, and they’re also an excellent way to introduce second graders to geography, spatial thinking, and basic navigation skills. Here are a few creative map features lessons that you can incorporate into your curriculum to make learning fun and engaging.

Want to save time planning out your lessons? Check out our complete pack of map worksheets and activities HERE!

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1. Creating a Classroom Map

One of my favorite activities to add to my map features lessons is having students start with something familiar. You can do this by having them create a map of their classroom. They can use paper, pencils, markers, or even digital tools. This activity will help them understand the basics of mapping, like symbols, legends, and scale. It will also teach them about perspective, as they must view their classroom from a bird’ s-eye view.

2. Treasure Hunt

Turn learning into an adventure with a classroom treasure hunt. Hide a “treasure” somewhere in the school and provide students with a map to find it. The map should include key features such as landmarks and directions. This activity will not only engage the students but also teach them how to read and use a map for navigation.

3. Story Maps

Another fun activity to add to your map features lessons are story maps. This is a great way to combine literacy and geography. After reading a story, have the students draw a map of the story’s setting or the character’s journey. This will enhance their comprehension skills, and they’ll learn how maps can represent real or imaginary places.

4. Map Your Neighborhood

Encourage students to map their neighborhood or a local park. This outdoor activity will allow them to apply their map reading and creating skills in a real-world context. They can identify key features, landmarks, and routes and represent them on their map.

Grab a copy of this worksheet to help you save time planning your lessons!

5. World Map Puzzles

Introduce students to world geography with map puzzles. You can either purchase these or make your own. This activity will help students recognize continents, countries, oceans, and other key features of a world map. It will also develop their problem-solving skills.

6. Digital Mapping

In this digital age, it’s essential to teach students about online maps and GPS technology. Show them how to use tools like Google Maps and discuss how these tools are used in daily life. This lesson can also include a discussion on digital safety and privacy.

Fun Map Features Lessons

Maps are more than just tools for getting from one place to another; they’re windows to understanding the world. These creative lessons will not only teach second graders about map features but also instill a sense of curiosity and adventure about the world around them.

Do you want to keep the fun going? Be sure to check out our Map Skills and Map Features Unit for even more creative ways to teach and have fun! Click the link to check it out!

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