Lesson 5 - Map Reading and Orienteering Skills
Map Skills & Team Solutions
•Year 4
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
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How can we use maps and clues to navigate our school grounds like real explorers?
Learning Objectives
- To identify areas of school grounds using a map with increasing accuracy
- To orientate a map and locate controls using key features
- To think creatively and work collaboratively to solve navigation challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully use a map to locate multiple controls around school grounds
- Students will demonstrate improved map orientation skills using landmarks
- Students will solve navigation puzzles through teamwork and problem-solving
Equipment & Resources Required
Laminated for weather protection, clearly marked with 15-20 numbered locations
Alternative: Hand-drawn simple maps, aerial photos
Each marked with number and letter, placed at mapped locations
Alternative: Laminated cards, small flags, coloured markers
With wipeable pens attached
Alternative: Recording sheets, clipboards with paper
Laminated photos of distinctive school features
Alternative: Printed descriptions, landmark sketches
Letters spelling sports names: TENNIS, SQUASH, SOCCER, HOCKEY, BOXING
Alternative: Written clues, number codes
Suitable for passing activities
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls
For timing activities and challenges
Alternative: Phone timer, large clock
Key Vocabulary
To position a map so it matches the direction you are facing in real life
A marked checkpoint that orienteers must visit to collect information
To find your way from one place to another using a map
A distinctive feature that helps you know where you are on a map
Letters rearranged to spell a different word
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of maps from geography lessons
- Experience following simple directions
- Ability to work in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Map orientation using landmarks
- Recording information while moving
- Team navigation and problem-solving
Next Steps
- Advanced orienteering with compass bearings
- Independent route planning
- Leading expedition-style activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always orientate the map before attempting to navigate to any control
- Use multiple landmarks to verify map orientation accuracy
- Encourage systematic rather than random approaches to control location
- Emphasise teamwork and communication throughout all navigation challenges
- Connect orienteering skills to real-world exploration and geography learning
- Celebrate improvement and effort alongside achievement and attainment
- Maintain safety through clear boundaries and continuous supervision
Common Misconceptions
- Maps should always be held upright like a book - correct by demonstrating horizontal orientation
- You can navigate without orientating the map first - show the importance of matching map to reality
- Orienteering is just about running fast - emphasise thinking and problem-solving elements
- Working individually is faster than teamwork - demonstrate benefits of collaboration
- Getting lost means failure - reframe as learning opportunity and problem-solving practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter navigation challenges, frequent check-ins, clear physical boundaries
dyspraxia
- Simplified maps with key landmarks only, extra time for recording, pair support
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable lesson structure
visual impairment
- Large print maps, tactile markers at controls, buddy system with sighted partner
hearing impairment
- Visual instruction cards, hand signals for navigation, written challenge sheets
physical disability
- Modified route options, assistance with map handling, alternative recording methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following written instructions, solving word puzzles, communication and teamwork vocabulary
Maths
Addition of control numbers, problem-solving with anagrams, measuring distances and times
Science
Understanding direction and navigation, forces and movement, observation and recording skills
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding symbols and scale, using coordinates and grid references
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, building confidence, perseverance in problem-solving
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central outdoor location with clear sight lines to all navigation areas
Observation Focus
Monitor map orientation techniques, safety during movement, accuracy of recording
Intervention Points
Support struggling pairs with map reading, ensure safety protocols maintained
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Clear map orientation using visible landmarks, show systematic approach to navigation
Verbal Cues
- •'Orientate your map first!'
- •'Use your landmarks!'
- •'Work together as a team!'
- •'Check your recordings!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full school grounds access including playground and field areas, minimum 100m x 50m
Surface Check
Check all navigation areas for hazards, ensure safe access to all control locations
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Ensure control markers are securely positioned and visible
- •Check whiteboards and pens are safe and functional
- •Verify maps are current and accurate
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Students running unsafely between controls
- •Getting lost or separated from groups
- •Slips and falls on uneven outdoor surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for navigation area
- •Time limits prevent students going too far
- •Pairs stay together at all times
- •Teacher positioned with overview of all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of navigation area
- •Regular visual checks on all pairs during activities
- •Clear recall signal for emergency stops
Emergency Procedures
Whistle signal for immediate return to base, first aid kit accessible, clear procedure for missing students