📖 ReadingLevel 1Lesson 21
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Reading Maps and Charts

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Read a simple map using its title, key, labels, and compass directions
  • 2Identify the four compass directions (N, S, E, W) and where North sits on most maps
  • 3Read a simple tally chart to find and compare information
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Mini Lesson

Maps and charts are special types of nonfiction texts. Instead of sentences, they use pictures, symbols, and numbers to show information. Knowing how to read them is a powerful real-world skill.

How to read a MAP

  • Title — tells you what place the map shows.
  • Key (or legend) — explains what the symbols and colors on the map mean. Always read the key first!
  • Labels — the words on the map that name streets, buildings, or areas.
  • Compass — shows direction: N (North), S (South), E (East), W (West). North is usually at the top.
  • Reading a map: find the key → find the symbol → find it on the map → read the label.

How to read a CHART

  • A chart organizes information in rows and columns.
  • Read the title first to know what it is about.
  • Read the column headers — they tell you what each column means.
  • Find the row you need, then read across to find the answer.
  • A tally chart uses marks (||||) to count things quickly.
A simple park map with key and compassA small park map labeled My Park with a winding path, a tree, and a pond. A compass rose in the top right shows N S E W, and a key box on the bottom explains the path, tree, and pond symbols.My Park — Simple MapTreePondNSEWKEY:PathTreePondN / S / E / W
A simple park map with a path, tree, pond, key, and compass rose.
Favorite fruits bar chartA bar chart titled Favorite Fruits with four bars labeled apple banana orange grape and counts of 6 4 5 and 3.Favorite Fruits02466apple4banana5orange3grapeFruitRead title → bars → labels → counts
A bar chart: apple 6, banana 4, orange 5, grape 3.
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Ask yourself: "What does the title tell me? What does the key mean? Which row, column, or bar has my answer?"

Vocabulary
Map
A drawing of a place seen from above, using symbols and labelse.g. A neighborhood map showing the school, park, and library.
Key
A small box that explains what each symbol or color on the map meanse.g. A blue square means school; a green area means park.
Compass
A tool that shows the four directions: N, S, E, and We.g. North is at the top of the compass.
Chart
A way of organizing information in rows and columnse.g. A weather tally chart showing sunny, rainy, and cloudy days.
Tally
A mark ( | ) used to count one of something in a tally charte.g. |||| counts as five.
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