Reading Maps
📖 Learn
A map is a special picture that shows us places from above, like a bird looking down at the ground. Maps help us find places and understand where things are.
What is a Map?
A map is a drawing that shows a place from above. It is like looking down from an airplane! Maps can show your classroom, your school, your neighborhood, or even the whole world.
Key Words to Know
- Map: A picture of a place seen from above
- Symbol: A small picture or shape that stands for something real (like a square for a building)
- Map Key: A box on the map that tells you what each symbol means
- Title: The name of the map that tells you what the map shows
Parts of a Map
Every map has important parts:
- Title - Tells you what the map is about
- Map Key - Shows what the symbols mean
- Symbols - Small pictures that stand for real things
- Colors - Different colors show different things (blue for water, green for parks)
💡 Examples
Let's look at how to read maps step by step.
Example 1: Reading a Classroom Map
Look at a map of a classroom. You see squares and rectangles.
Step 1: Read the title. It says "Our Classroom."
Step 2: Look at the map key. A rectangle means a desk. A circle means a table.
Step 3: Count the desks on the map. There are 6 rectangles, so there are 6 desks!
Example 2: Finding the Park
A neighborhood map shows a house, a school, and a park.
Step 1: Look at the map key. Green areas mean parks.
Step 2: Find the green area on the map.
Answer: The park is the green area near the school!
Example 3: Using Colors
On most maps, blue means water.
Question: What does the blue part of the map show?
Answer: The blue part shows a lake, river, or ocean!
Example 4: Symbols for Buildings
A map key shows: House = small square, Store = large rectangle, School = rectangle with flag
Question: You see a rectangle with a flag on the map. What is it?
Answer: It is the school!
Example 5: Map Title
A map has the title "City Zoo Map."
Question: What does this map show?
Answer: This map shows the zoo and where the animals live!
✏️ Practice
Try these questions about reading maps.
Problem 1
What is a map?
Show Answer
A map is a picture of a place seen from above, like a bird looking down.
Problem 2
What color usually shows water on a map?
Show Answer
Blue shows water on most maps.
Problem 3
What is a map key?
Show Answer
A map key is a box that tells you what each symbol on the map means.
Problem 4
What does the title of a map tell you?
Show Answer
The title tells you what the map is about or what place it shows.
Problem 5
What is a symbol on a map?
Show Answer
A symbol is a small picture or shape that stands for something real.
Problem 6
If you see green on a map, what might it show?
Show Answer
Green usually shows parks, grass, or forests.
Problem 7
A map shows a blue line going through the town. What could this be?
Show Answer
A blue line is usually a river or stream.
Problem 8
Why do maps use symbols instead of real pictures?
Show Answer
Symbols are smaller and simpler, so they fit on the map and are easy to see.
Problem 9
Where should you look first when reading a new map?
Show Answer
Look at the title first to know what the map shows, then look at the map key.
Problem 10
A map of a school shows a big rectangle labeled "Gym." What does this mean?
Show Answer
The big rectangle shows where the gym is in the school.
✅ Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you learned.
Question 1
Name two things you should look for on every map.
Show Answer
The title and the map key (or symbols and colors).
Question 2
Why are maps helpful?
Show Answer
Maps help us find places, understand where things are, and know how to get from one place to another.
Question 3
What would a map of your classroom show?
Show Answer
A map of the classroom would show where the desks, chairs, teacher's desk, door, and windows are located.
Question 4
If a symbol on a map is a tree, what real thing does it stand for?
Show Answer
A tree symbol stands for real trees, or a park or forest area.
🚀 Next Steps
- Draw a simple map of your bedroom with symbols for your bed, desk, and door
- Look at a map with a grown-up and find the map key together
- Practice finding different colors on maps and what they mean
- Continue to the next lesson: My Neighborhood