Compass & Map Keys · Learning goals
A compass rose shows north, south, east and west on a map, and a map key explains the symbols. Use compass directions to walk around a town.
Why it matters
Compass directions and map keys are the tools needed to read real maps.
Knowing north, south, east and west helps kids follow directions and navigate.
Map keys teach kids that symbols stand for real things, a skill used in many subjects.
Inside Compass & Map Keys
A short read-aloud lesson first, then hands-on games and a quiz to lock it in.
Step 1 · Lesson
A short read-aloud lesson in 5 steps.
Step 2 · Think
Why is it helpful that everyone uses the same four directions?
Step 3 · Map and directions game
Walk around town using North, South, East and West.
Step 4 · Quiz
4 questions to check what stuck.
Lesson preview
This is the real lesson text your child hears, read aloud by a friendly voice.
The four main directions are North, South, East and West.
On most maps, north is at the top. A compass rose shows the directions.
A trick to remember: Never Eat Soggy Waffles goes around clockwise: North, East, South, West!
A map key (or legend) tells you what each symbol means.
People all over the world use compasses: sailors, hikers and pilots.
For parents
Learning sticks best when kids use it in real life. Here are simple ideas from this course.
Find north at home using a phone compass. Then give your child directions like "Take three steps east" to find a hidden treat.
Why is it helpful that everyone uses the same four directions?
Practice
Real questions from Compass & Map Keys. Try them with your child, then tap to see the answer.
Question 1
Top
Question 2
West
Question 3
Map key
The full course has 4 questions with instant feedback, stars and rewards. Create a free account to play them all.
Compass & Map Keys · Questions from parents
Compass & Map Keys is a grade 2 social studies course for kids ages 7–8. That is Year 3 social studies in the UK and Year 2 in Australia. It also works well for review in the next grade, or as a challenge for a confident younger learner.
A compass rose shows north, south, east and west on a map, and a map key explains the symbols. Use compass directions to walk around a town. Along the way they practice: Compass Walk.
About 10 minutes in total, split into 3 short levels. Most kids finish it over two or three sessions. Progress is saved, so they can stop any time and pick up where they left off.
Yes. Compass & Map Keys is one of the first 2 courses in Grade 2 Social Studies. Create a free parent account and your child can start right away.
No. Every lesson has a friendly read-aloud voice, questions are read aloud too, and the pictures help kids follow along. Confident readers can turn the voice off.
Yes. SkillBloom is built for homeschooling families. Kids work through lessons, games and quizzes on their own, and the parent dashboard shows what they finished and which skills need more practice. It works on phones, tablets and laptops.
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