Lesson 5 - Map Reading and Navigation
Navigation & Collaboration
•Year 4
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use maps effectively to navigate and work together to solve problems?
Learning Objectives
- Use a map to follow a course accurately
- Work cooperatively with a partner to achieve shared goals
- Evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate basic map reading skills by following marked routes
- Students will show effective communication and cooperation with their partner
- Students will reflect on their success and suggest improvements
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in corners for warm-up, then position around course for main activity
Alternative: Coloured bean bags, hoops, or markers
Each pair needs different starting routes to avoid congestion
Alternative: Hand-drawn maps on paper, laminated cards
Pre-prepared with route calculation spaces
Alternative: Whiteboards and pens, clipboards with paper
Central position for warm-up caller activity
Alternative: Marked circles on floor, rope circles
For caller in warm-up activity - ensure hygiene
Alternative: Hands over eyes, turning with eyes closed
Key Vocabulary
A drawing that shows the layout of an area from above, using symbols and markers
A planned path or course to follow from one place to another
The skill of finding your way using maps, signs, or landmarks
Working together effectively to achieve a shared goal
A recognisable feature that helps you know where you are
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of directions (left, right, forward, back)
- Experience working in pairs during PE activities
- Familiarity with following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Reading and interpreting basic maps with symbols
- Following sequential routes marked on maps
- Communicating location and direction information to partners
Next Steps
- Using compass directions with maps
- Creating their own route maps for others to follow
- Problem-solving in outdoor environments using maps
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise accuracy over speed in navigation tasks
- Model excellent partner cooperation and communication throughout
- Make clear connections between map symbols and physical reality
- Celebrate effort and teamwork as much as successful route completion
- Provide immediate feedback during route following activities
- Ensure all students experience success regardless of ability level
- Use positive language to build confidence in map reading skills
Common Misconceptions
- Maps are too difficult for young children to understand - address by starting with simple, clear symbols
- Faster completion means better navigation - emphasise that accuracy and teamwork are more important
- One person should lead all the navigation - teach that good partnerships involve shared responsibility
- Getting lost or making mistakes is failure - frame errors as learning opportunities
- Map reading is only useful for hiking - connect to everyday use of maps and directions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and movement guidelines, offer regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplify map symbols, provide additional practice time, offer larger equipment and clearer visual markers
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet zone for breaks, use visual schedules for activity sequence
visual impairment
- Use high contrast coloured cones, provide tactile map elements, assign sighted partner for navigation support
hearing impairment
- Use visual cues and hand signals, provide written instructions, ensure clear sight lines for demonstrations
physical disability
- Adapt course layout for wheelchair access, provide alternative participation roles like route planning or timekeeping
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following written instructions, using technical vocabulary, verbal communication with partners
Maths
Following number sequences, basic arithmetic calculations, understanding coordinates and position
Science
Understanding different perspectives and viewpoints, observation and recording skills
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding symbols and scale, spatial awareness and direction
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, communication skills, persistence and resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around course area to observe all pairs, central position during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for map reading accuracy, partner cooperation quality, and engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in when pairs struggle with map reading, when cooperation breaks down, or when safety is compromised
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always model the complete process slowly, show enthusiasm for navigation skills, emphasise cooperation over competition
Verbal Cues
- •'Check your map position first!'
- •'Work together, help each other!'
- •'Take your time, accuracy matters!'
- •'Celebrate your teamwork!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 20m or outdoor hard surface area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate lighting for map reading
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cones are stable and not cracked
- •Ensure number cards are securely attached
- •Verify pencils have safe tips, answer sheets are not torn
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between pairs moving around course
- •Trips over equipment during navigation
- •Students becoming frustrated with map reading difficulties
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear movement pathways established with adequate spacing
- •Demonstrate safe movement speeds around course
- •Provide support for students struggling with map reading
- •Monitor competitive pressure during championship activity
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all pairs simultaneously
- •Move around course to provide equal attention
- •Monitor partnership dynamics for signs of stress
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide first aid if required, reorganise activity if needed