Lesson 6 - Map Symbols & Orienteering
Navigation & Collaboration
•Year 4
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can understanding map symbols help us navigate and explore our world safely?
Learning Objectives
- Recognise and recall common map symbols accurately
- Apply map reading skills in practical orienteering activities
- Work collaboratively to solve navigation challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will identify at least 12 common map symbols correctly
- Students will complete an orienteering course using symbol recognition
- Students will demonstrate effective teamwork during navigation tasks
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-cut and laminated for durability
Alternative: Laminated sheets, digital displays on tablets
Clearly visible and accessible to all students
Alternative: Enlarged poster version, individual copies
Hidden around playground/hall before lesson
Alternative: Cones with numbers, laminated cards
Attached to clipboards for easy writing
Alternative: Digital recording sheets, clipboards
Attached to clipboards with string
Alternative: Erasable pens, digital input
Key Vocabulary
A simple picture or shape that represents a real feature on the ground
A list that explains what each symbol on a map means
A sport where you navigate between checkpoints using a map
Finding your way from one place to another using maps and other tools
A specific location you must visit during orienteering
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of maps as representations of real places
- Ability to work in pairs cooperatively
- Recognition that symbols can represent real objects
Current Skills
- Identifying common map symbols
- Matching symbols to their meanings
- Using map keys and references
- Basic orienteering navigation
Next Steps
- Reading contour lines and elevation
- Using compass bearings with maps
- Planning routes using multiple navigation tools
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Model thinking aloud processes when identifying symbols to make invisible learning visible
- Use map keys as learning scaffolds initially, then gradually remove support to build independence
- Emphasise accuracy over speed to develop careful observation skills and build confidence
- Connect all symbol learning to real-world applications to increase relevance and motivation
- Maintain partner cooperation throughout to build social skills alongside navigation abilities
- Use differentiated challenges to ensure all students experience appropriate level of challenge
- Celebrate effort and problem-solving strategies as much as correct answers to build growth mindset
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking orienteering is only about running fast rather than careful observation and problem-solving
- Believing map symbols are pictures rather than simplified representations of real features
- Assuming all symbols are obvious and not requiring careful examination of details
- Expecting to recognise all symbols immediately without reference to map keys or prior learning
- Thinking navigation is an individual skill rather than benefiting from collaborative approach
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, movement incorporated into learning, immediate feedback and checking system
dyspraxia
- Larger answer sheets with clear writing lines, pencil grips if needed, simplified navigation routes, additional processing time
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet retreat space available, predictable routines, detailed advance explanation of expectations
visual impairment
- Enlarged symbol cards with high contrast, tactile symbols where possible, detailed verbal descriptions of each symbol, buddy support for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual instruction cards, clear written examples, demonstration-based teaching, sign language support if available
physical disability
- Adapted orienteering course with accessible routes, seated symbol matching alternatives, modified answer recording methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following written instructions, recording observations clearly, using subject-specific vocabulary accurately, communication during partner work
Maths
Counting and recording numbers systematically, data collection during orienteering, problem-solving strategies, pattern recognition in symbols
Geography
Map skills, symbol recognition, spatial awareness, understanding how places are represented, using geographical vocabulary
PSHE
Working collaboratively, perseverance when facing challenges, celebrating others' successes, building resilience and growth mindset
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location during orienteering with clear sightlines to all boundaries, mobile support for struggling pairs while maintaining overall supervision
Observation Focus
Monitor symbol recognition accuracy, partnership cooperation, safety compliance, and engagement levels throughout activities
Intervention Points
Step in when students appear frustrated, if safety boundaries are crossed, or when partners are not collaborating effectively
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated thinking aloud processes when identifying symbols, model proper recording technique clearly, show enthusiasm for discovery and problem-solving
Verbal Cues
- •'Take your time to really look at the symbol details'
- •'What features can you see that might give you a clue?'
- •'Work together - two heads are better than one!'
- •'Remember to stay within our boundary markers'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large hall, with clear boundaries marked by cones or natural features
Surface Check
Even surface free from holes, wet leaves, or obstacles that could cause slipping during movement between markers
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Symbol cards laminated to prevent paper cuts
- •Pencils secured to clipboards with string to prevent loss and potential injury
- •Markers placed away from walls, trees, or other collision hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Students running and colliding while moving between markers
- •Getting lost or separated from partner outside designated area
- •Frustration leading to unsafe behaviour when struggling with difficult symbols
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and regularly reinforced
- •Walking enforced when carrying equipment
- •Partner system maintained throughout activities
- •Teacher position allows visual monitoring of all students
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position centrally for maximum visibility during orienteering
- •Regular headcounts to ensure all students remain in designated area
- •Monitor emotional state and provide support for frustrated students
Emergency Procedures
Whistle signal for immediate stop and return to teacher, first aid kit accessible, clear route to school office