Map symbols: design a park map in 1st grade
What it is: a 1st grade map skills activity where students design a park, draw simple symbols for each part (swings, pond, trees, path) and make a map key that explains each symbol. Students learn why maps use symbols and how to read a key.
Time: about 30 minutes. Grade: 1st grade.
Materials: a real local map or a picture map with a key, large paper, crayons, and a key box drawn in one corner of each paper.
- Show a map with a key. Ask: "What does this little tree mean? How do you know?"
- Brainstorm what a park needs: a playground, trees, a pond, benches, a path, restrooms.
- Students choose 5 things and design a simple symbol for each in the key box.
- They draw the park from above, using only their symbols, and color the path.
- Partners trade maps and use the key to answer: "Where is the pond? What is next to the swings?"
Differentiation: students who need support use 3 symbols and a pre-drawn path. Students who are ready add a compass rose with N, S, E and W. English learners can label each symbol with a word and a picture.
Quick check: point to a symbol on a student's map and ask what it stands for and where it is in the park.
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.