🧭

Lesson 6 - Map Reading and Symbol Recognition

Teamwork & Creative Problem-Solving

•

Year 2

•

Outdoor Adventurous Activities

•

45 min

Big Question

How do maps help us navigate and explore the world around us?

Learning Objectives

To recognise and use symbols and keys on maps accurately
To develop spatial awareness and navigation skills
To create simple maps using given equipment and symbols

Key Outcomes

Students will accurately identify symbols and use a map key
Students will demonstrate improved spatial awareness when following map directions
Students will collaborate effectively to recreate maps and create their own

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

30 (15 per team)

Placed randomly around each half of the playing area

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or hoops

Cards

10 cards (5 easy, 5 challenging)

One symbol placed under each cone, with matching pairs split between teams

Alternative: Pictures, shapes drawn on paper, or coloured objects

Gymnastics Mats

8-10 mats

One mat per pair/small group for map recreation activity

Alternative: Marked spaces on ground, paper sheets

Tennis Balls

20-30

Various colours for map creation activities

Alternative: Bean bags, small cones, coloured blocks

Balls

20-30

Different colours to represent various map features

Alternative: Small blocks, counters, fabric squares

Clipboards

8-10

For groups creating their own maps

Alternative: Hard books, lap desks

Pencils

15-20

For drawing original maps and keys

Alternative: Markers, crayons

Key Vocabulary

Symbol

A picture or sign that represents something on a map

Key

A list that explains what each symbol on a map means

Map

A drawing that shows where things are located in an area

Navigate

To find your way from one place to another using a map

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to other objects

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of directions (left, right, forwards, backwards)
Recognition of simple shapes and colours
Ability to work cooperatively in pairs

Current Skills

Symbol recognition and interpretation
Understanding the purpose of map keys
Spatial awareness and positioning
Following multi-step instructions

Next Steps

Reading more complex maps with grid references
Understanding scale and distance on maps
Using compass directions (North, South, East, West)

Milestone Indicators

Confidently matches symbols without hesitation

Accurately recreates maps from given examples

Creates logical, usable maps independently

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that keys are essential tools for reading any map - always refer to them first
Encourage systematic approach to map recreation - one symbol at a time
Model thinking processes aloud to help students understand problem-solving strategies
Celebrate both accurate recreation and creative original map design
Connect all activities to real-world map use to enhance relevance and motivation
Promote patience and cooperation as essential skills for successful map work
Use spatial language consistently throughout (position, direction, location, between, next to)

Common Misconceptions

Maps are only used by adults in cars - address by showing child-friendly maps like theme parks, treasure maps
Symbols can mean anything you want - emphasise that symbols need to be logical and consistent
Keys are optional extras - demonstrate how impossible maps become without clear keys
Bigger symbols on maps mean more important - explain symbols represent types of objects, not importance
Maps always show the whole world - introduce concept of different scales and local area maps

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear end points; fidget tools if needed; movement breaks between tasks; clear, simple instructions repeated frequently

dyspraxia

Larger symbols and equipment for easier handling; extra time for map recreation; step-by-step guidance with activities broken into smaller parts; supportive partner pairing

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities; quiet space available if overstimulated; consistent routines for equipment collection; warning before activity transitions

visual impairment

Use high-contrast symbols with bold outlines; provide tactile symbols using different textures; use verbal descriptions of map layouts; buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all instructions; written/picture instruction cards; clear visual signals for activity changes; use gestures and pointing for communication

physical disability

Seated participation with adapted equipment placement on desk/tray; larger equipment pieces for easier handling; modified maps with bigger spaces between symbols

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Reading symbols as text; following instructions; vocabulary development with map-related terms; speaking and listening during discussions

Art

Drawing symbols and maps; understanding how pictures represent objects; creating visual keys and legends

Geography

Basic map skills foundation; understanding symbols represent real places; spatial awareness and positioning concepts

PSHE

Cooperation and collaboration; patience and resilience when tasks are challenging; celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can observe both team areas during warm-up, then circulate between pairs during map work to provide individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate symbol recognition, effective partner cooperation, spatial awareness during map recreation, and creative problem-solving

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with symbol matching, provide hints for map recreation, or mediate equipment sharing disputes

Demonstration Notes

Model enthusiastic map reading, show thinking processes aloud, demonstrate careful equipment handling and respectful movement around others' work

Verbal Cues

•'Look carefully at your key before placing equipment'
•'Check your partner's work - two eyes are better than one!'
•'Remember, maps help us find our way - make yours clear for others'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m hall space with clear sight lines and room for 15 pairs to work independently

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles. Mats lying flat without wrinkles or edges that could trip students

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones are stable and not cracked
•Ensure tennis balls are properly inflated
•Verify bean bags have no splits or holes
•Confirm symbol cards have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during symbol matching warm-up
•Tripping over equipment or mats during recreation activity
•Disputes over equipment sharing
•Pencil safety during map drawing

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between team areas
•Walking pace enforced during all movement activities
•Equipment distributed fairly with teacher supervision
•Mats secured flat and positioned with adequate spacing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both team areas during warm-up
•Circulate constantly during map recreation activities
•Monitor centre area during symbol matching
•Check equipment handling during setup and pack-away

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Clear space around injured student. Apply appropriate first aid and seek support as needed.