Map symbols / legend / keys Worksheets for Kindergarten

Kindergarten Social Studies 12 Printable Worksheets 100% FREE

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Kindergarten map symbols and legend keys worksheets introduce kindergartners to the foundational geography skill of reading visual clues on simple maps. At this age, children learn that small pictures—like a tree, house, road, or river—stand for real places, and that a legend (or key) tells them what each symbol means.

This skill matters because it builds early spatial awareness and prepares five and six year olds to understand neighborhood maps, classroom layouts, and storybook adventures. Two common stumbling blocks appear: kindergartners often forget to check the legend before guessing, and they sometimes confuse two symbols that look alike, such as a pond and a lake. Before this topic, children practice positional words like above, below, and beside. After mastering legends, they move on to cardinal directions, simple grids, and basic compass roses in first grade.

These map symbols and legend keys worksheets give kids playful, picture-rich practice that turns abstract symbol-matching into a confident, hands-on reading routine they will carry into elementary social studies.

Worksheet Preview

Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.

Easy

Part A: Trace the Words

Trace each word by following the dotted lines.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word on the line.

1. A

2. Symbols on a map are explained in the map

3. The map

4. The letter N on a map stands for

Part C: True or False

Read each sentence. Circle True or False.

1. A map legend explains what the symbols on a map mean.

T F

2. All maps look the same.

T F

3. A compass rose shows direction on a map.

T F

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Easy

Part A: Trace the Words

Trace each word by following the dotted lines.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word on the line.

1. A blue line on a map usually means a

2. Green areas on a map often show

3. A

4. Map symbols are pictures that stand for

Part C: True or False

Read each sentence. Circle True or False.

1. Map symbols are small pictures that represent real places or things.

T F

2. You don't need a legend to understand a map.

T F

3. Roads are often shown as lines on a map.

T F

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Easy

Part A: Trace the Words

Trace each word carefully by following the dotted lines.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A map

2. The

3. A blue line on a map means

4. A

Part C: True or False?

Read each statement. Circle True or False.

1. A map legend tells us what symbols mean.

T F

2. All maps look exactly the same.

T F

3. A key and a legend do the same job on a map.

T F

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Easy

Part A: Trace the Words

Trace each word carefully by following the dotted lines.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A star on a map can stand for a

2. We use a

3. A map

4. The color green on a map often means

Part C: True or False?

Read each statement. Circle True or False.

1. A tree symbol on a map can mean a park.

T F

2. Maps do not need a legend or key.

T F

3. North is at the top of most maps.

T F

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word on the line.

1. A

2. The four main directions on a compass rose are north, south, east, and

3. A map

4. Blue on a map often represents

5. A star symbol on a map often marks a

6. A map that shows roads and cities is called a

7. The symbol for a mountain on a map often looks like a

8. Dotted lines on a map often show

9. A map that shows the height of land is called a

Part B: Match the Symbols

Draw a line from each map symbol to what it represents.

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word on the line.

1. A map key is also called a map

2. The compass rose N stands for

3. If you go from north to south on a map, you are heading

4. A

5. The scale on a map tells you how real

6. Airports on maps are often shown with a

7. A legend helps you

8. East is the direction of the

9. Maps help people find

Part B: Match the Directions

Draw a line from each compass direction to its description.

toward the top of a standard map

toward the bottom of a standard map

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A

2. The map

3. A small square on a map might mean a

5. A dotted line on a map can show a

6. We look at the

7. A blue shape on a map can mean a

9. A map

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A

2. A red cross on a map can mean a

3. The map key helps us

4. An airplane symbol can mean an

5. Maps use

6. A book symbol on a map might mean a

7. We check the

8. East is to the

9. A flag on a map can show a

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the correct answer for each question.

1. What is the PURPOSE of a map legend?

2. What does a COMPASS ROSE show?

3. What does BLUE usually represent on a map?

4. What is a MAP SCALE used for?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word on the line.

1. The four cardinal directions are north, south, east, and

2. A map legend uses

3. If north is at the top of a map, south is at the

4. A political map shows the

5. Using a map scale, you can calculate the real

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the correct answer for each question.

1. Which best describes a MAP SYMBOL?

2. On most standard maps, which direction is at the TOP?

3. What type of map would you use to find the nearest highway?

4. If you are facing north, what direction is on your RIGHT?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word on the line.

1. Between north and east is the direction called

2. A map's legend is also called a map

3. A

4. The symbol for a school on a map might look like a

5. Longitude and latitude lines on a map form a

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. What does a map legend do?

2. Which direction is at the top of most maps?

3. What might a blue area on a map show?

4. What tool shows north, south, east, and west?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. A map

2. Symbols are small

3. A tent symbol might show a

4. West is to the

5. A map helps us find where

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. What is another name for a map key?

2. A tree symbol on a map most likely shows a what?

3. Which symbol might stand for a hospital?

4. If you move down on a map, which direction do you go?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. Every map should have a

2. The compass rose has

3. A small airplane symbol can mean an

4. A

5. We use maps to find our way to new

Map Symbols, Legend & Keys

What's Included in This Download

12 Printable Pages covering map symbols / legend / keys

Complete Answer Key for easy grading

Printer-Friendly Format in black & white

Variety of Activities to keep kids engaged

Common Core Aligned kindergarten standards

Instant PDF Download - no signup required

What You'll Learn

These map symbols / legend / keys worksheets help kindergarten students develop essential social studies skills through engaging activities.

Learning Objectives

Map Reading: Navigate and interpret simple maps of familiar places
Symbol Recognition: Identify common map symbols for roads, water, buildings, and landmarks
Map Legend: Use a map key to decode symbols and colors on maps
Cardinal Directions: Apply north, south, east, and west to describe locations
Map Purpose: Understand that maps represent real places from a bird's-eye view

Skills Covered

Map SkillsMap SymbolsMap LegendCardinal DirectionsGeographySpatial Awareness

How to Use These Worksheets

Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Skipping the legend entirely and guessing what a symbol means based on what it looks like, which leads to wrong answers when symbols are abstract or stylized.
Confusing two visually similar symbols, such as a pond and a lake or a school and a library, because young learners focus on the picture rather than the label.
Treating colors as decoration instead of meaningful clues, so children miss that blue often means water and green often means grass, trees, or parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are map symbols and legend keys for kindergarten?

Map symbols are tiny pictures that stand for real things like houses, trees, or roads. A legend (also called a key) is the small box on a map that explains what each symbol means. In kindergarten, children learn this concept using friendly, picture-based maps so they can connect symbols to real-world places.

Why is learning to read map legends important at age 5?

Reading legends builds early spatial reasoning, vocabulary, and a sense that pictures can carry meaning. It also strengthens following-directions skills. These foundations support later social studies, science, and even early math work, where charts and diagrams use the same symbol-to-meaning thinking that map keys teach kindergartners.

How can I help my kindergartner practice map symbols at home?

Draw a simple map of your house or backyard together and create a small legend with symbols for the bed, kitchen, tree, and door. Ask your child to find each spot using the key. Storybook maps in adventure picture books are also a fun way to practice without feeling like schoolwork.

What map skills come after legend reading in first grade?

After kindergartners feel confident with symbols and keys, first graders move into cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), basic compass roses, simple grid coordinates, and reading neighborhood and community maps. They also begin comparing physical and political maps using slightly more detailed legends with several symbols.

What if my child cannot match symbols to the legend yet?

Start with only two symbols at a time and use very different pictures, like a sun and a house. Point to the legend, then point to the map together. Repeat this routine slowly. Most kindergartners need many gentle exposures before they remember to check the key on their own.

Are these worksheets really free?

Yes! All our worksheets are 100% free to download and print. There's no subscription, no hidden fees, and no registration required.

Can I use these in my classroom?

Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.

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Map symbols / legend / keys Worksheets for Kindergarten

Worksheet Preview

What's Included in This Download

What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

Skills Covered

How to Use These Worksheets

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Frequently Asked Questions

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Worksheet Preview

What's Included in This Download

What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

Skills Covered

How to Use These Worksheets

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Frequently Asked Questions

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