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Compass Explorers

A fun first-grade introduction to cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and the compass rose. Students explore map navigation through catchy mnemonics, whole-body movement, treasure hunt maps, and hands-on crafts.

EBEmily Brown

Compass Explorers

A fun first-grade introduction to cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and the compass rose. Students explore map navigation through catchy mnemonics, whole-body movement, treasure hunt maps, and hands-on crafts.

EBEmily Brown
W

3. Video Pause & Debrief (Slide 5): Play the Reading Maps video. Pause at 0:45 to highlight how the compass rose prevents confusion. Ask: "Why do maps need a compass rose?" (Turn & Talk with shoulder partners for 30 seconds).

Compass Explorers • Grade 1 Social Studies Page 1 of 2

Facilitation Guide & Activity Stations (Continued)

Phase 3 to 5

Phase 3: Direction Dance & Classroom Simon Says (8 Minutes)

Slide 6

Have students stand up behind their desks. Guide the kinesthetic routine:

🗣️ "North is UP (reach high)! South is DOWN (touch toes)! East is RIGHT (arm out)! West is LEFT (arm out)!"

Play 3 quick rounds of "Explorer Says". Speed up the calls to build muscle memory and directional awareness.

Phase 4: Hands-On Activity Packet & Craft (20 Minutes)

Packet Pages 1–3

Station A — Waffle Mnemonic & Tracing (Pg 1): Students trace N, E, S, W letters and color each quadrant using the designated color key.

Station B — Treasure Island Map Quest (Pg 2): Students read the 3x3 island grid map, tracing paths with their pencils from the Pirate Ship to the treasure chest.

Station C — Cut & Paste Compass Rose Craft (Pg 3): Students cut out the circular rose and 4 directional arrows, assembling them in clockwise order (N-E-S-W).

Phase 5: Exit Ticket & Wrap-Up (7 Minutes)

Packet Page 4

Students independently complete the 3-question mini exit ticket. Collect to assess 100% mastery before the next map skills lesson.

Differentiation & Accommodations

Support / ELL

Use color-coded classroom wall cards matching the slides (Red=N, Blue=E, Green=S, Purple=W). Provide tactile directional arrows.

On-Level Focus

Reinforce reciting the clockwise waffle rhyme aloud while pointing fingers in a circle before writing answers.

Extension Challenge

Ask students to write 2-step directions on the Treasure Map (e.g., "Walk 1 block North, then 2 blocks East").

Quick Answer Key

Page 2 (Treasure Map Quest):

1. Volcano is North of Ship

2. Crab Beach is South of Ship

3. Palm Forest is East of Ship

Page 4 (Exit Ticket):

1. Labels: N (Top), E (Right), S (Bottom), W (Left)

2. Needle always points: North (A)

3. Slide question: East (B)

Compass Explorers • Grade 1 Social Studies Page 2 of 2

GLUE EAST

GLUE SOUTH

GLUE WEST

GLUE STAR

Cut Out These 5 Pieces: Snip carefully along lines

N North

E East

S South

W West

⭐ Center Star

Compass Explorers Student Packet Page 3 of 4

Explorer Final Check

Mini Map Detective Exit Ticket

Name:

Date:

Show what you know about cardinal directions and compass roses!

1. Fill in the 3 missing direction letters on the compass rose below:

N

🧭

2. Where does a real magnetic compass needle ALWAYS point?

A) North B) South C) West

3. Look at the mini park map. If you are at the Swings, which way do you walk to reach the Slide?

🌳 Trees

🎪 Swings

➔

🛝 Slide

⛲ Pond

A) North (Up) B) East (Right) C) South (Down)

Compass Explorers Student Packet Page 4 of 4

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