Check out this awesome group of map skills activities that is perfect for teaching kids all about maps and how they are used. This list of activities will have your students master map skills in no time!
If you’re interested, I have a Map Skills Interactive Notebook Set that includes that will help you teach your students everything they need to know about maps!
If you would like a Map Skills Bundle – which includes printables & activities, interactive notebooks, and 100% editable PowerPoint, you can check it out here.
10 Awesome Map Skills Activities
1. Compass Rose Activity:
A wonderful activity that combines fun and understanding of map elements. This involves coloring and cutting so your students will be able to read the map as well as practice their directions skill using the compass rose.
2. Elements of a Map Flaps Activity:
What is more exciting than your students making their own lesson? It is a simple activity to help students memorize and understand the elements of a map. The students will be cutting the elements and gluing the facts of each element underneath.
3. Interactive Notebook Activity:
A very cool activity that involves coloring and completing a few tasks. Your students will have to use their visual skills by coloring the Map Key and symbols then completing the tasks by adding the answers underneath. Your students will have a blast working on this activity.
4. Vocabulary Notebook Activity:
Do you feel that your students are finding it hard to memorize the map elements with their definition? Don’t worry, I have the perfect activity to help your students learn the map elements and what each one is used for. So, the students will always have this activity in the back of their notebooks where they can go back to it whenever its needed.
5. Political VS Physical Map Activity:
It might be confusing for your students to figure out the difference between a political and physical map. However, with this cool activity, I guarantee your students will have lots of fun and a good understanding of what makes them different.
6. Types of Maps Activity:
Sometimes, the best way to keep your kids engaged is by playing games. What is better than involving the most fun kids’ game (puzzles) so they can have fun while they learn. This puzzle includes the title, picture, and definition of each map. Therefore, your students will have to find and combine the right pieces together and glue them to their notebook.
7. Waterfest City Grid Activity:
This activity is a fun made up world that will help your kids practice their map skills. They will use the map key to help them figure out the answers and write them under the flaps.
8. Treasure Hunt Map Skill Activity:
A treasure hunt is the best way to keep your students engaged while also having a little fun outside. It can be done anywhere outside like at the park, your own backyard, and even at the school playground. Little surprises can be hidden around while the students are given a map with hints in order to solve the tasks and find the treasure.
9. Longitude and Latitude Battleship:
This is unique way to bring fun games into the classroom to keep your kids engaged. Teach your students longitude, latitude, and other map skills by printing a map and placing it on the “battlefield”. That’ll definitely help your students practice their map skills.
10. Following Directions Grid Game
Let’s have fun with a grid game for kids to playfully practice following directions. This game, focused on maps, helps your students learn basic skills like reading maps. It’s a super interactive activity that will also keep the kids active! Whether at home or in class, this map game is perfect for practicing map reading skills!
