Grade K-2: Six Progressive Lessons
These lessons are ready to teach. Designed for grades K-2 (ages 5-7), they build from safety and exploration through early map reading. Every activity is a game, run in pairs or small groups, with time for repetition and play.
| Lesson | Theme | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Safety and Space | Know the boundary, return on signal | Boundary Run, Gathering, tag extension |
| 2. Search and Remember | Discover the space and what's in it | Explore & Find, Animal-O (free: meet the animals) |
| 3. Say Where | Find things and describe where they are | Clothespin-O (find hidden objects, describe where) |
| 4. Visit Checkpoints in Order | Follow a sequence | Animal-O (in order) |
| 5. Picture the Space | Create a picture of the space | Draw the Space |
| 6. Read a Map | Use a map to find things | Simple Geometric-O or Map Maker |
These lessons align with entries 1-5 (Pre-Map Skills) and 6-7 (Sequential Navigation) of the Navigation Games skill and concept sequence, with early exposure to 8-10 (Map Introduction). Communication and collaboration (#36-41) are woven throughout.
Notes for K-2
- Pacing adjustments: Plan for six class periods, one per lesson. Lessons 1 and 2 can often be combined for groups that settle in quickly. Lessons 5 and 6 may extend across two sessions.
- Class length: Lessons are written for a typical 30-45 minute period. With a longer period, add repetitions rather than jumping ahead. The lesson plan advisor can tailor the progression to your schedule, space, and students.
- Pairs: We recommend that K-2 students do almost everything in pairs. It keeps everyone safe, builds communication, and means one partner can hold the clue sheet while the other looks.
- Roles: Introduce Finder and Helper early. By Lesson 3, students who finish can help others (with rules about what they can say). See concept #37 in the skill sequence.
- Spatial language: Build vocabulary deliberately: near, far, between, next to, past, behind. These words matter more at this age than map symbols.
- Drawing before reading: Lesson 5 asks students to draw maps before Lesson 6 asks them to read maps. Creating a map first helps students understand what a map is.
- Gathering time: Time the whole class on how quickly they can gather. This becomes a group challenge that unites the class (concept #40).