Mapping the Local Area - KS1 Geography Lesson

A KS1 geography lesson for Year 1 and Year 2 that teaches pupils how to read and use a simple map of a familiar area. Children follow a playground map, visit marked stations, record clues, and learn how grids and directions help us use maps accurately. Designed to support KS1 local area and fieldwork objectives.

What’s Included:
✔ Lesson plan
✔ PowerPoint presentation
✔ Worksheet for recording clues
✔ Viewfinder frames (for sketching landmarks)
✔ Exemplar answer sheet
✔ Station cards for the playground map activity

Lesson Overview:
★ Starter: Explore a simple map of the classroom or playground. Discuss clues that help identify the place and compare the map with the real environment. Introduce the idea of a bird’s‑eye view.
★ Main: Pupils work in pairs with a simple playground map showing four stations. They follow the map to each location, sketch or label clues, and practise holding the map the correct way using north, south, east and west. Differentiation includes tracing routes, writing labels, or creating a new station and symbol.
★ Plenary: Return to class and add a grid to the map. Pupils identify items in different squares and discuss how grids make maps easier to read.

Why It’s Useful:
✔ Supports KS1 geography fieldwork and map‑reading objectives
✔ Builds confidence using simple maps, symbols and directions
✔ Differentiated for mixed‑ability classes with clear support and challenge
✔ Fully resourced for a 30–60 minute lesson
✔ Printable materials suitable for indoor or outdoor learning

Suggested Use Cases
Ideal for KS1 local area units, fieldwork activities, simple map skills lessons, outdoor learning sessions, or as preparation for a local walk.

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