Compass rose game: north, south, east and west for 2nd grade
What it is: a 2nd grade map skills game where the four classroom walls are labeled north, south, east and west, and students follow spoken directions to move around the room and find a hidden object. Then they use the same words on a paper map.
Time: about 20 minutes. Grade: 2nd grade.
Materials: 4 signs (N, S, E, W) placed on the real directions (check with a phone compass), a small hidden object, a simple map of the classroom, and a compass rose poster.
- Show the compass rose. Teach a saying for the order: "Never Eat Soggy Waffles."
- Point out the signs on the walls. Everyone turns to face north, then east, south and west.
- Give directions: "Take 3 steps north. Take 2 steps east." Students move and freeze.
- Hide an object. Partners write directions for another pair to find it.
- Move to the paper map: "Draw a star 2 squares east of the door."
Safety: small steps and walking only, with chairs pushed in.
Differentiation: students who need support work with north and south first. Students who are ready add northeast and southwest. English learners can hold a card with the four words while they play.
Quick check: point to two places on the classroom map and ask a student which direction you travel to get from one to the other.
Need it for another grade or subject? Ask us on the request page and our team will write it.
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About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 30, 2026
- Type
- Lesson plan
- Grade
- Grades K–2
- Subject
- Social studies
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.