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Using practical resources to build early mapping skills
This Geography scheme of work video supports teachers in helping pupils understand how to represent a bird’s eye view of a space using familiar classroom objects.
Children begin by working in groups to create a ‘messy map’ – a 3D representation of the classroom using items such as counters, rulers, beanbags, or counting bears. This activity introduces children to the concept of symbols in map work. To build geographical language, pupils discuss the location and distance between objects using directional vocabulary. Once complete, the messy maps can be photographed and shared on the board to reinforce the idea of aerial perspective.
Alternatively, children can visit and explore other groups’ messy maps, explaining how their representations were created. As pupils progress through the key stage, they move from collaborative practical maps to drawing outlines, incorporating 3D elements, and applying symbolic representation. This lays the foundation for more complex map work.
This lesson forms part of the Geography – Fieldwork and mapping videos and supports progression in spatial thinking, vocabulary, and collaborative planning.
See more of our Year 1 and Year 2 Geography scheme of work.
