First Grade · History · week 17

Treasure map exchange

Build a map using a key, a compass rose, and symbols, then read a partner's map to find a marked spot.

You have learned a lot about maps: a key that explains symbols, a compass rose for directions, and how to show land and water. This week you use ALL of it to make a treasure map.

A good treasure map needs a key, a compass rose, at least two symbols, and a clearly marked spot -- an X or a star -- for the treasure. Then you trade maps with someone and try to find each other's spot.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Help your child build a real, simple treasure map of your house or yard, including a key, compass rose, and at least two symbols.
  • Mark the treasure spot using a direction clue, like "three steps west of the kitchen door."
  • If there is another family member around, trade maps and actually try to follow each other's map to the marked spot.
  • If a swap is not possible, you play the role of the map-follower and narrate out loud as you use the key and compass rose.
Talk about it:
  • What four things does a good map need?
  • How did you use the compass rose to follow a map?
  • Was anything confusing about the map you read? What would fix it?

Mastery looks like: They build a map with a working key, compass rose, and symbols, and can read a partner's map to find the marked spot.

Common stumbles: Leaving out the key or compass rose, which makes the map impossible for someone else to actually follow.

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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