Build A City Map Grid & Skills Activity

Build a City using a grid and riddles

Learning Objectives:

• Interpret clues to identify meaning
• Apply a simple key to decode information
• Use logical reasoning to determine correct placement
• Translate abstract clues into spatial decisions
• Explain reasoning clearly

Grades 1-3

Instructions:

• • Parents use painter’s tape to create a large rectangle on the floor. Divide the rectangle into a grid with 4 columns and 4 rows.

  • Label the columns across the top with letters A, B, C, D from left to right.

  • Label the rows down the side with numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 from top to bottom.

  • Give children the city picture cards. Children cut out the images if they are able.

  • Give children the riddle sheet and the map key.

  • Children read each riddle and figure out what place the riddle describes.

  • Using the map key, children determine where the place belongs on the grid.

  • Children place the matching picture card in the correct grid square.

  • Continue until all riddles are solved and the city is complete.

  • When finished, ask children to explain why each place belongs where it is.