Map Skills for Kids: Compass, Symbols & Grids
Four picture lessons from the first pages of a school atlas: the eight compass points, map symbols and what a key is, finding a square with grid references (letter along, then number up), and the globe's lines, from the Equator to the Prime Meridian. Tap each part to hear what it means, then answer 8 questions. It follows the map skills taught in KS1 and KS2.
At a glance
- For ages 5 to 12
- Free, with no sign-up and nothing to install
- One player
- Plays in the browser on phones, tablets and computers, in 7 languages
How to play
- Choose a skill: the compass, map symbols, grid squares or the globe's lines.
- Explore the picture first: tap each part to hear what it is and what it means.
- Then answer 8 questions by tapping the picture (or, for some grid questions, picking a square). Every answer shows a short fact.
What kids learn
The map skills taught at the start of every school atlas: the eight compass directions, the symbols on a map and what a map key is, finding things with grid squares (letter along, then number up), and the Equator, Prime Meridian, tropics, polar circles, poles and hemispheres.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Take the compass outside: find where the Sun rises in the morning and call that east.
- Draw a map of your room or classroom with your own symbols and a key.
- Play Battleships or a treasure hunt with grid squares to practise letter-then-number.
Questions from grown-ups
What age is this for?
About 6 to 11. The compass and symbols suit younger children; the globe's lines are usually taught from about 8.
Why do the places move in the compass questions?
So children read the direction each time instead of remembering where a picture was.
Which way do grid squares go?
Letters along the bottom, numbers up the side: say the letter first, then the number, as most school books teach.
Does it work on a projector?
Yes: explore the picture together on the big screen, then let children come up and tap the answers.
Can it be played without sound?
Yes: every question is written above the picture.
Is it free? Does my child need an account?
Yes, it's free, with no sign-up, login, or download, and it never asks for personal details. It runs in the browser on phones, tablets, and computers.
Try these next
- Continents & Oceans: Tap the continent or ocean on the map
- Find it on the Map: Hear a country, point to it
- Earth & Space: Planets, Moon, seasons, volcanoes & more
Guides and quiz questions for grown-ups
- Teaching the Continents and Oceans to Young Children
- A Five-Day Geography Week for Primary Classes
- Map Skills for Kids: Compass, Keys, Grids and the Globe
- How to Run a Classroom Geography Bee
More free games on Flagoo
- Continents & Oceans
- Find it on the Map
- Which Country Is This?
- Dino-Dig Map Puzzle
- Geography Quiz
- Animals & Habitats
- Landforms
- Earth & Space
- All Flagoo games
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