Grade 3-5: Six Progressive Lessons
These lessons are ready to teach. Designed for grades 3-5 (ages 9-11), they build in sequence from basic spatial awareness to independent navigation with a real map.
| Lesson | What it adds | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Know Your Space | Here is where you can go; there are things to find | Boundary Run, Gathering, Explore & Find |
| 2. Match the Code | Find them in this specific order | Explore & Find (warm-up), Animal-O |
| 3. Map Readiness | Spatial relationships; orienting and relating a map to the space | Geometric-O |
| 4. Map Symbols | Symbols tell you what features are on the ground | Symbol-O, Map Walk |
| 5. Visiting Checkpoints | Navigate using a map, visit checkpoints in any order | Map Walk, Score-O |
| 6. Orienteering Course | Navigate a course visiting checkpoints in order | Point-to-Point |
These lessons cover entries 6-13 (Sequential Navigation through Map Symbols) of the Navigation Games skill and concept sequence, with introduction to 14-22 (Colors, Navigation with Maps, and Score-O strategy). Communication and Individual Development are woven throughout.
Indoor Orienteering is an alternative that uses a basketball court, covering lessons 3-6.
Notes for 3-5
- Pacing adjustments: Plan for six class periods, one per lesson. Lessons 3 through 6 often extend across two sessions. The sequence is the same regardless of pacing.
- Class length: Lessons are written for a typical 30-45 minute period. With a longer period, add repetitions and extensions rather than jumping ahead. The lesson plan advisor can tailor the progression to your schedule, space, and students.