Home › Teacher Lessons › Grade/Year 7 & 8 English lessons › Using a Map Key

Using a Map Key

Social studies and location for a Grade/Year 7 or 8 classroom, with reading, subject language, speaking and writing.

Grade/Year 7 & 845–60 minutesPrintable

Teacher lesson: Read the short text aloud and model the first task. Students can plan in a language they know well before speaking or writing in English. Use all twelve panels or adjust the pace for your learners.

Teacher Answers Back to Teacher Lessons

1Reading

Students trace a route across a river on a neighbourhood map — Illustration: Planning a route.

Before you read:

Look at the title. What do you know about social studies and location? Tell a partner one idea.

A class is planning a visit to a local museum. Their map uses a blue line for a river, a green square for a park and a small black circle for a bus stop. The museum is east of the park. Students use the key to identify the symbols before planning a route. They notice that the bus stop is near the park, but the route still crosses the river. The teacher asks them to find a bridge rather than drawing a straight line through the water. The students explain the route using words such as ‘north’, ‘east’ and ‘across’.

2Vocabulary

Words: map key · route · east

Write a short meaning or example. You may use a language you know well first.

map key –

route –

east –

3Comprehension

4Language Focus

Use these sentence starters. Change the words to fit your idea.

The is east of the .

First go . Then cross .

Write one sentence of your own.

5Listen and Note

Listen as your teacher reads the text again. Note two key ideas or facts.

First idea:

Second idea:

Compare your notes with a partner.

6Speaking

Give a partner directions using a simple map of your classroom or school.

Use a sentence starter from panel 4. Ask your partner one follow-up question.

Useful questions: “Could you explain that?” “Why do you think so?”

7Try It

Use this skill: How might you use social studies and location in another lesson or everyday situation? Give one example and explain it to a partner.

Draw a quick plan or write three key words before you speak.

8Writing

Describe a route from a bus stop to the museum using at least three direction words.

Plan in a language you know well if it helps. Then write your answer in English.

9Word Study

Choose the correct words from this lesson’s reading.

Word bank: key · route

Use the map to understand each symbol. Follow the across the bridge.

10Sentence Builder

Put these words in the right order. Check the capital letter and punctuation.

the bridge / on this map / Where / is / ?

11School English

You do not understand a symbol on the map. Ask your partner.

Write a polite question or response you could use at school. Then say it to a partner.

12Exit Reflection ✓

Take a few minutes to reflect.

1. One useful word I learnt in this lesson:

2. One thing I can do in class:

3. One question I still have: