Virginia SOL K.7.b

Social StudiesKindergarten

The Standard

identifying basic map symbols

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students recognize common symbols on simple maps. They match each symbol to the place or feature it represents, such as water, roads, buildings, or parks.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a simple map, a student can point to a named symbol and explain its meaning. The student can use a map key to check an answer.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think map symbols must look exactly like real places. They may confuse symbols with labels or overlook the map key.
How to Assess It: Give students a four-symbol map and key. Ask them to circle the school, point to the road, and explain one other symbol.

Lesson moves

Build a tabletop neighborhood map with blocks, then place paper symbols for roads, water, homes, and a park.
Show a playground map and ask, “Which symbol helps you find the swings, and how do you know?”
Play a matching game where students pair map symbol cards with picture cards showing the places they represent.
Examine the school evacuation map and identify symbols for classrooms, exits, stairs, and meeting areas.

Keep exploring

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