### Lesson Plan: Basic Maps and Directions
#### Grade: 1
#### Subject: Social Studies
#### Duration: 45 minutes
#### Topic: Basic Maps and Directions
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#### Objectives:
1. Students will be able to identify basic map features (such as symbols, keys, and simple landmarks).
2. Students will understand and demonstrate cardinal directions (North, South, East, West).
3. Students will be able to follow simple directions on a basic map.
4. Students will create their own simple maps of the classroom.
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#### Materials Needed:
- A globe or world map
- Large paper maps (local area or created specifically for this lesson)
- Map symbols chart
- Crayons/markers
- Blank paper
- Compass (optional, for demonstration)
- Pre-drawn classroom map handouts
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#### Lesson Outline:
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
a. **Overview and Purpose**:
- Briefly introduce what maps are and why they are important.
- Explain that maps can show small areas (like a classroom) or large areas (like a country).
b. **Show and Tell**:
- Display a large map and a globe.
- Point out key features like map symbols, the key/legend, and the compass rose.
- Demonstrate cardinal directions using the compass rose.
2. **Direct Instruction (15 minutes)**
a. **Reading a Map**:
- Show students a basic map of a local area or a simple map you've created.
- Discuss how to read a map, focusing on the symbols and the key/legend.
- Practice identifying landmarks, such as parks, schools, or homes on the map.
b. **Cardinal Directions**:
- Introduce North, South, East, and West using the compass rose on the map.
- Use real-life examples: "The library is north of our school."
3. **Guided Practice (10 minutes)**
a. **Map Activities**:
- Hand out pre-drawn classroom maps to each student.
- Provide a list of directions: "Start at the door, go East to the teacher’s desk, then go North to the window."
- Guide the students as they follow and mark the directions on their maps.
4. **Independent Practice (5 minutes)**
a. **Drawing Maps**:
- Give students blank paper and ask them to draw a simple map of their bedroom or any room in their house.
- Encourage them to include a few major landmarks (bed, desk, window).
5. **Closure (5 minutes)**
- Recap the day's lesson.
- Ask a few students to share their maps.
- Reinforce the importance of maps and directions in everyday life.
6. **Assessment**:
- Observe students during guided and independent practice to evaluate their understanding.
- Review the maps they created for accuracy and inclusion of key features.
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#### Extension Activities:
- **Map Scavenger Hunt**: Organize a simple scavenger hunt where students use a map to find items around the classroom or school.
- **Family Assignment**: Ask students to make a map of their neighborhood with the help of their family and label important places.
#### Vocabulary:
- **Map**: A drawing that shows where things are.
- **Key/Legend**: Explains the symbols on a map.
- **Compass Rose**: A circle that shows directions on a map.
- **Cardinal Directions**: The four main directions (North, South, East, West).
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By the end of this lesson, Grade 1 students should have a basic understanding of how to read simple maps and follow directions. This foundational knowledge will be essential for more complex geographical skills in the future.