Build Vocabulary and Map Skills with Puzzles

Teaching young learners how to read and interpret maps is one of the most important skills you can teach in early elementary school. A well-designed, attractive map puzzle is a great way to introduce your students to the many features and symbols of a standard map or globe. 

This set of 20 puzzles will help your students review vocabulary words related to maps and globes. Each puzzle contains three pieces–a term and two different pictures showing the map feature. Students will complete the puzzles by matching words and pictures together.

The following map and globe vocabulary words are included in this set of puzzles.

• Compass
• Landform
• Birds-eye view
• Water
• Land
• Globe
• Map
• Map key
• Map symbols

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Geography lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this Map skill game to enhance learning through small group lessons, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by having them complete the activity with a partner or helper teacher.

Additionally, provide access to previous assignments, posters, and anchor charts for students to recall past lessons.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Challenge your fast finishers by having them draw maps and integrate the different vocabulary terms in the form of pictures and labels.

Plan lessons for all ability levels with our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the full-color, low-color, or black and white version of this resource.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Cut the puzzle pieces apart. Place all components in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

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This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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