Learn about playgrounds with Dora

Topics Reception/Year 1
This unit is part of Local Studies: Our School and Local Area Our Playground

Download all files

Objectives

Geography

Use simple compass directions, locational and directional language to describe the location of features and routes on a map, use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features.
Devise a simple map; and use and construct basic symbols in a key.

Maths

Measure and begin to record the following: lengths and heights.

Lesson Planning

Dora wants to learn all about your school playground! Children will take part in a series of engaging playground activities and field work.

Teaching Outcomes
To understand the features of a good map, learn & use the compass points, follow & use directional language.

Children will:

Understand that maps, like aerial photos, are views from above, but that they can contain different types of information.
Understand key features of maps.
Describe and follow journeys using compass directions and directional language.
Measure and record lengths and width of the playground.

Planning

Provided Resources

Challenge cards
Measuring recording table
Map objects
Orienteering cards
Orienteering example
Orienteering recording table
Compass points

You Will Need

Measuring resources: skipping ropes, ribbon, metre sticks and trundle wheels
Chalk
Compasses
Clip boards and pencils
Copies of maps of the school grounds

Weblinks

Teaching map skills from rgs.org
Google Earth
How to locate and print out an aerial view of the school grounds from education.usgs.gov
Online game to help children to remember the four compass points from bbc.co.uk