Compass & Cardinal Directions Game

A free map skills game for learning north, south, east and west. Students look at a small town map with a compass rose and answer questions like “Which direction is the park from the school?” or follow steps like “Go 2 blocks north, then 1 block east.”

Start with the four cardinal directions, add the intermediate directions (northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest), then try Expert, where the map is turned so north isn’t at the top – a great test of really reading the compass rose. It fits kindergarten through 3rd grade map units.

How to use it in class

Name the arrow. Start with the compass rose on its own: an arrow lights up and students say which way it points.
Which way? Two places are outlined on the town map – blue is where you start, orange is where you’re going. Students choose the direction.
Follow directions. Students start at a place, follow the steps block by block, and say where they end up.
Level up. Easy uses north, east, south and west. The next level adds the in-between directions. Expert turns the map, so students must use the compass rose instead of assuming north is up.

Classroom ideas

Never Eat Soggy Waffles

Teach the memory trick for N, E, S, W going clockwise, then play a round of “Name the arrow”.

Label the classroom

Put N, E, S and W signs on your classroom walls, then ask students what is to the north or east of their desk.

Write your own

After playing, have students write their own “Start at… go…” directions for a partner to follow.

Frequently asked questions

What are the cardinal directions?

North, east, south and west. The directions between them – northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest – are called intermediate directions.

What is a compass rose?

The symbol on a map that shows which way north, east, south and west are. North is usually at the top, but not always – which is what the Expert level practices.

What grade is this for?

Kindergarten to 3rd grade, when map skills and cardinal directions are usually taught.