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Geography · Years 2-4
How can I teach children to use a simple grid map?
Find the column letter and row number to identify a square, then rehearse a route through adjacent squares. This fictional map introduces square references and comparing routes.
Download: Grid map challenge
A4 PDF · 2 pages · free · no sign-up
Print page 1 for the activity and keep page 2 for teaching notes and answers or suggested responses.
Use A4 paper at 100% or Actual size. Choose by the task and your class; the suggested range is a starting point, not a curriculum-alignment claim.
How to use this resource
- Locate one named feature using the letter first and number second.
- Use a counter to move one square at a time along an allowed route.
- Count the steps and compare another route to the same destination.
Make it easier or add challenge
More support
Locate features before planning routes and rehearse with a finger or counter.
More challenge
Find two shortest routes and explain why neither can use fewer grid steps.
What to look for
Can the child distinguish a square reference from a point coordinate? Steps on this map do not represent metres or travel time.
Teacher answers and suggested responses
1. Library: D3. 2. Park: A4. 3. Pond: C1. 4. One shortest school-to-library route is B2, C2, D2, D3: 3 steps.
5. Another shortest route is B2, B3, C3, D3. The map gives grid steps, not metres or real travel time.
A useful next step
Printing, access and sharing
Allow drawing, discussion, practical materials or usual communication tools where they support the learning aim. Use separate paper if a child needs more writing or drawing space.
Free to print and copy within your school, setting or family. Retain the website credit and share this resource page with other settings.