Reading a Map in Words is a free printable Kindergarten to Grade 2 social studies worksheet on following directions on a map described in words, aligned to C3 Framework indicator D2.Geo.2.K-2. It prints 2 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.
Set 1 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.
A map described in words, made for this worksheet. North is at the top.
Main Street runs from east to west.
The fire station is on the north side of Main Street.
The bank is on the south side, across from the fire station.
The library is at the east end of Main Street.
The river is at the west end of Main Street.
Key: a star means city hall. City hall is next to the bank.
1. What does a star mean on this map?
2. You walk from the river to the library along Main Street. Which way do you go?
3. You stand at the fire station. Which way do you cross to reach the bank?
2.Read the map, then answer the questions.
Map of the United States
A map described in words, made for this worksheet. North is at the top.
This map shows the United States.
Canada is north of the United States. Mexico is south.
The Atlantic Ocean is east. The Pacific Ocean is west.
Alaska is in the far northwest, next to Canada.
Hawaii is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean.
A star marks Washington, D.C., the capital.
Key: blue means water. Thin lines show where states meet.
Each state has its name written inside it.
1. What does the star mark?
2. What do the thin lines show?
3. Which ocean is east of the United States?
LessonPrint · D2.Geo.2.K-2 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — Reading a Map in Words
Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. City hall. 2. East. 3. South.
2.1. Washington, D.C., the capital. 2. Where states meet. 3. The Atlantic Ocean.
Questions about Reading a Map in Words
What does the Reading a Map in Words worksheet cover?
It practices following directions on a map described in words — 2 questions for Kindergarten to Grade 2, all on C3 Framework D2.Geo.2.K-2: Use maps and photographs to describe a place and what shapes it. The instruction to students is “Read each map, then answer the questions”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.
Which C3 Framework indicator does Reading a Map in Words practice?
D2.Geo.2.K-2, under Geography for Kindergarten to Grade 2. The published indicator reads: “Use maps, graphs, photographs, and other representations to describe places and the relationships and interactions that shape them.” The worksheet assesses that indicator rather than a paraphrase of it.
What age or grade is this worksheet for?
Reading a Map in Words is written for Kindergarten to Grade 2, typically ages 7-8. It is one of the sheets on D2.Geo.2.K-2, so it suits any student working at that standard — including older students revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.
Does Reading a Map in Words come with an answer key?
Yes. All 2 answers are generated from the same problems as the questions, so the key cannot drift out of step with the sheet. It starts on a fresh sheet of paper, after the questions, so it is not handed out with the class by accident.
How many different versions of Reading a Map in Words can I print?
25 — one per student, and all 25 ask different questions. Set 1 downloads the whole class as a single PDF. Every version is fixed to its own address, so a sheet printed today holds the same problems when you reopen it next week.
Is Reading a Map in Words free to print and photocopy?
Yes. Reading a Map in Words, its answer key and its 25 versions are free to print and photocopy for your own class, with no account, no email capture and no subscription at the download step. Please do not resell them or republish them as your own.
More practice for D2.Geo.2.K-2
Use maps and photographs to describe a place and what shapes it.