Pull down the United States Map and locate the Direction Skills
Inset Map in the upper right corner. Review with the students the four
main directions. Emphasize the direction north, as that is our base
direction:
North is toward the North Pole
South is toward the South Pole
East is to the right of a person standing on the Earth facing
the North Pole
West is to the left of a person standing on the Earth facing
the North Pole.
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| These definitions are always correct. They are correct on the globe
and the United States map. Or even within your own classroom. Tell the
students they will locate things in their classroom by using the four
main directions.
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| Have the students locate the drawing of the student in the direction
inset map. Emphasize that the student in the drawing is acting as a
direction finder. Select a student to act as a direction finder for your
classroom.
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| Use the magnetic compass to determine the direction north in your
classroom. Label the north wall in your classroom.
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| Have the "student direction finder" stand facing the north wall.
His/her arms should be extended exactly like the student on the drawing.
Label the other walls.
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| Now use the classroom to locate other features by using direction.
Each time the students locate a feature have them tell you the direction
they moved and what the direction means. (Examples - East is to my right
as I face the North Pole.)
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| Conclude the lesson by drawing your classroom on the globe. If
possible have the location of each desk marked on the globe. Emphasize
that if the students were to walk toward the north wall in the
classroom, and they kept walking, they would eventually arrive at the
North Pole. |
