Second Grade · History · week 12

Map keys and symbols

Read a map key to interpret what symbols on a map represent.

A map cannot fit a real tree or a real building onto a piece of paper, so it uses symbols instead -- small pictures or shapes that stand for real things. A blue wavy line might mean a river. A green triangle might mean a park.

A map key (also called a legend) is a small box on the map that tells you what each symbol means. Always check the key first, because different maps can use different symbols.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Look at a real map together (a road map, park map, or mall map) and find its key.
  • Point at 3-4 symbols and have your child look them up in the key before guessing.
  • Make up a simple map of your home or yard together, inventing your own symbols and key.
  • Emphasize: ALWAYS check the key first on a new map -- symbols are not universal.
Talk about it:
  • What is a map key for?
  • What symbol did you find most interesting on a real map?
  • If you made your own map, what symbol would you invent for your favorite place?

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

Common stumbles: Guessing what a symbol means without checking the key, or assuming all maps use the exact same symbols.

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.
← Back to todayAll coursesYear planner