Maps and Map Skills word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Maps and Map Skills word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this maps and map skills puzzle set for my 2nd and 3rd graders during our geography unit. The kids could find their house on a picture but didn't know how to use a compass rose or read a map key. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like map, compass rose, legend, key, scale, symbol, north, south, east, west, globe, continent, ocean, grid, and route. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the basic skills stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about which direction is which without a compass. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple compass and map marker drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 1st through 4th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers draw a simple map of their desk or bedroom on the back with a key. The kids actually ask for these now.