First Grade · History · week 12

Map keys and symbols

Read a simple map key to identify what small symbols on a map represent.

A map cannot fit real trees, real water, or real buildings inside it -- so mapmakers use small symbols instead. A star might mean a school. A blue line might mean a river.

A map key (also called a legend) is a little list on the side of the map that tells you what each symbol means. Always check the key before you guess.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Draw a very simple map key together with 3 or 4 symbols (school, park, river, your house).
  • Use those symbols to sketch a tiny map of a pretend neighborhood.
  • Point out a real map key if you have one handy (a park map, a mall directory, a road atlas) and read a few symbols together.
  • Remind your child that a symbol only works if EVERYONE agrees what it means -- that is exactly what the key is for.
Talk about it:
  • What is a map key for?
  • Why not just write words all over the map instead of symbols?
  • What symbol would you make up for your own house?

Mastery looks like: They can use a simple map key to correctly identify what several symbols represent on a map.

Common stumbles: Guessing what a symbol means from how it looks, instead of checking the key first.

Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of History for this learner.
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