Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Back to Study HubBrowse Year 1 Geography Guides

Year 1 - Geography

Planning a route

Local area: how do we read maps and plan routes?

Unit Summary

This unit develops pupils' understanding of maps and route planning by exploring their school grounds. Pupils create maps, use symbols and keys, plan and follow routes, and apply their knowledge through simple fieldwork and observation.

Lesson Summary

You can plan a route to your local play area using aerial images and a large-scale map.

Key Notes

  • Maps of different scales, or a zoom function on a digital map, may be needed to locate pupils' favourite play places.
  • Aerial photographs and large-scale maps show local features, including play areas.
  • Aerial photographs and large-scale maps can be used to plan routes.
  • Play areas need to be accessed safely so thinking about routes and access is important.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • play area: A play area is a space that contains equipment and features that children can use when playing.
  • map: A map is a two-dimensional representation of an area, showing geographical features and where they are in relation to each other.
  • risk: Risk means the possibility that something bad or unpleasant, such as an injury, might happen.
  • route: A route shows the starting point and end point of a journey, sometimes with stops in between.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The most direct route to a play area might not be the safest.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

Maps of different scales, or a zoom function on a digital map, may be needed to locate pupils' favourite play places. Aerial photographs and large-scale maps show local features, including play areas.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'play area'

A play area is a space that contains equipment and features that children can use when playing.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: The most direct route to a play area might not be the safest. Correction: Just because a route might be the shortest, it does not mean it's the best route to take if there are no safe areas or pavements to walk along or safe crossing points. The best route must consider the time taken, most direct way and be safest.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 1 Geography guide library.