Unit Plan 10 (Grade 1 Social Studies): My Classroom Map

Focus: Help students create a simple map of their classroom using symbols and a legend, and practice using position words and routes to describe where things are. Students will use pictures, walks, and simple maps as sources to learn about their space.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Social Studies (Geography • Inquiry • Community)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students explore their classroom as a place they know well and learn to show it with a simple map. They look at pictures and sample maps, go on a classroom walk, and notice where important items are (desks, rug, library, door, sink). Students learn that symbols stand for real things and that a legend explains those symbols. By the end of the week, each student creates a classroom map with symbols, a legend, and at least one route described with position words.

Essential Questions

• What is a map, and how can it show our classroom?
• How do symbols and a legend help us understand a map?
• How can we use position words (like next to, behind, near) to describe where things are?
• How can we use pictures, walks, and simple maps to learn about our classroom and school?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Explain that a map is a picture of a place seen from above.
2. Identify key classroom areas (e.g., teacher’s desk, student tables/desks, rug, library corner, door, sink, supplies).
3. Use symbols (simple shapes or pictures) to stand for classroom items and create a legend to explain them.
4. Use position words and simple routes to describe how to move from one place to another in the classroom.
5. Use information from simple sources (a classroom walk, photos, and teacher-made maps) to create a classroom map with a legend.

Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (C3-based custom)

• 1.C3.Geo.2 — Use simple maps and map symbols; follow/describe routes with position words.
  • Example: Draw a classroom map with a legend; describe the route to the playground.
• 1.C3.Inq.2 — Gather information from simple sources (photos, maps, short texts, interviews).
  • Example: Use a picture book and a class interview with the custodian to learn about school jobs.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can tell what a map is and why we use it.
• I can draw symbols for important parts of our classroom and put them on a map.
• I can make a legend that shows what my symbols mean.
• I can use position words (next to, in front of, behind, near) to talk about where things are in our classroom.
• I can use pictures and walks to help me make a classroom map that someone else can understand.