This document provides a lesson plan for teaching students about cardinal directions using maps, globes, and literature. The plan introduces cardinal directions by asking students how they would give directions and explaining the purpose of directions. It recommends reinforcing the topic with children's books and having students practice using directions on paper and during recess by following called-out directions with a compass. The lesson concludes with an assessment asking students to identify locations using cardinal directions.

1. Lindsay Raikes
Social Studies Geography Indicator 1.3.1: (The World in Spatial Terms) Identify the
cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) on maps and globes.
Students should have some background knowledge about:
Maps
Globes
I would introduce this standard by…
1.) asking how the students how they would explain how to get somewhere to
someone else. Would it be easy to get lost?
2.) explain the purpose of cardinal directions so that people can find places on
maps, globes, and in real life.
3.) write cardinal directions on the board: North
West East
South
Reinforce the cardinal directions topic through children’s literature:
- North, South, East, West by Allan Fowler
- Up North and Down South: Using Map Directions by Doreen Gonzales
A couple activities to help students practice using cardinal directions…
• Ask students to get out a scrap piece of paper and pencil. (Part C of Activity
Sheet)
http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/soc/ss_1_3_2.pdf
To conclude this lesson, I would assess their knowledge by asking for verbal responses to
questions like:
1.) What is in the north on your drawing?
2.) What is in the east?
3.) What is south of the clouds?
4.) What is west of the tree?
To extend the concept, a fun recess activity would be to:
Give students a compass so they can practice walking in the direction you call out
to them around the playground.