Geography Scheme | Year 2 | Block 1: If You go Down to the Woods Today | Lesson 5: Let’s Make a Forest Map

Year 2 Geography – Lesson 5: Let’s Make a Forest Map!

Bring maps to life with this creative Year 2 geography lesson. Pupils will learn how to devise simple maps by drawing the route a character takes through a forest, using symbols and keys to represent geographical features. This lesson builds on earlier work with human and physical features and develops pupils’ ability to represent journeys in map form.

What’s included in this lesson pack?

• A detailed lesson plan with objectives, vocabulary and misconceptions addressed.
• Interactive slides modelling how to create a map for a story character, using natural objects and small-world props.
• Differentiated worksheets for pupils to draw and label their own forest maps.
• Continuous provision ideas using string, blocks and small-world resources to create 3D routes.
• Cross-curricular links with literacy (story settings and journeys) and numeracy (measuring distances).

Learning objectives

• Devise a simple map and use basic symbols in a key.
• Describe the route a character takes through a forest using geographical vocabulary.
• Understand that maps can be imaginative as well as realistic.
• Challenge: add compass directions to maps if previously introduced in Year 1.

Why choose this lesson?

This lesson tackles common misconceptions such as thinking every feature must be drawn in detail or that imaginary maps are not valid. Pupils are encouraged to be creative while applying core map skills, giving them confidence to use and interpret symbols, keys and routes. The activities support fieldwork skills and link to familiar stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel, making geography accessible and engaging.

Download this Year 2 geography lesson pack as part of our KS1 Geography Scheme of Work. Access all lesson plans, worksheets and slides with a free trial.