By Julie Wright
10 questions
1st - 1st Grade
Social studies
278 plays
Updated Sep 2026
What Is a Map? is a Grade 1 social studies worksheet that builds foundational map-reading vocabulary and recognition skills. Through 10 multiple-choice questions, students identify symbols, explain the purpose of a map key, recognize that maps show places, and interpret the S on a compass rose as south. They also choose an appropriate town map for locating a library and connect a classroom object, such as a table, to a map symbol. This free printable worksheet helps young learners understand how maps represent real objects and how map features make information easier to read. The questions use familiar situations and simple examples, including a classroom map and a building represented by a square, so students can connect map concepts to everyday places. It is suitable for Grade 1 social studies practice, review, or an introductory check for understanding, and it includes a complete answer key for efficient teacher feedback.
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WorksheetsAnswer Keysymbols
map key
Town map
a place
south
has a name
It helps us read a map.
a rectangle for a table
symbol
a picture that stands for an object
This Grade 1 worksheet uses 10 multiple-choice questions to teach how maps represent places with symbols and how a map key explains those symbols. Students also identify a town map for finding a library, interpret S on a compass rose as south, and recognize that a symbol can represent an object such as a classroom table.
Introduce the lesson by showing a simple classroom or town map and asking students what each picture or shape might represent. Then use the worksheet’s questions about symbols, map keys, and a square representing a building to have students explain how map features help readers understand a place. Review the compass-rose item separately so students connect map-reading with basic direction vocabulary.
Students may confuse a map key with a compass rose, treating both as tools for finding directions, even though the key explains symbols and the compass rose shows direction. They may also choose a globe or state map instead of a town map for locating a library, or mistake a symbol for the object it represents. Check that students understand that the S on the compass rose means south, not a word beginning with S such as school.
You can assign “What Is a Map?” as a printable PDF or as a digital quiz on Wayground, with the 10 multiple-choice questions ready for student practice. The worksheet includes a complete answer key, and printable submissions can be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable format also gives schools an option for reducing screen time.
Use the worksheet’s Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing or increase the font size so the multiple-choice options and map vocabulary are easier to follow. You can also apply a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language when appropriate for your learners.
Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to support essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.
