Learning how to read a map is a real skill and takes practice. Before the days of smartphones, it was an essential skill. Today, it is still very useful to be able to read a map and can be good fun too!
Try out this map reading activity with a friend. Who can find the landmarks first?
You will need:
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A photocopy of a map of your local area. If possible, blown up to A3 or A2 size.
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Coloured pencils or felt tips.
Instructions:
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Can you find your school? Mark the spot with an X and draw a picture of it.
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Can you find your house or block of flats? Mark the spot with an X and draw a picture of it.
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Can you map your journey to school? Draw a line from your house and follow the streets and turns that you take.
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Can you map another journey that you take regularly? For example, to visit a family member, to a place of worship or to the local park.
You can continue this activity by taking it in turns to challenge your partner to find another local landmark or map a more complex journey.
Making Maps
Can you recreate your local area in map form?
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Firstly, draw out a simple outline of the main roads and any roads that are important to you. Use a modern day map to help you. Try to increase the size of the map to at least A3 or A2 size.
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This is quite a tricky task so start by drawing the lines and writing road names lightly with a pencil.
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When you are happy with the result, go over the lines with a black pen to make them stand out.
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Now it’s time to recreate some of your local landmarks to add to you map!