Build Vocabulary and Map Skills with Puzzles

Teaching young learners how to read and interpret maps is one of the most important life skills you can teach in primary school. A well-designed, attractive map puzzle is a great way to introduce your students to the many features and symbols of a standard map or globe. 

This set of puzzles will help your students review vocabulary words related to maps and globes. Each puzzle contains three pieces – a vocabulary word and two different pictures showing the map feature. Students will complete the puzzles by matching words and pictures together.

The following map and globe vocabulary words are included in this set of puzzles:

• compass
• landform
• birds-eye view
• water
• land
• globe
• map
• map key
• map symbols.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

If you have a mixture of above- and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts. 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

• Pre-teach (or re-teach) key vocabulary to students to help them engage more successfully with the resource.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

• Challenge your fast finishers by having them draw a map of their neighbourhood, integrating the different vocabulary terms from the puzzles.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the easy-print PDF of the editable Google Slides version of this resource.

Print on thick card for added durability and longevity. Cut the puzzle pieces apart. Place all components in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a Teach Starter collaborator.