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As map technology has improved and paper maps have been brought to the brink of extinction, many people have questioned the relevance of teaching map skills. The compass rose has been victim to this slander as well. “No one uses a compass anymore,” they say. But I am here to make an argument for the compass — the original tool for navigation.
Kids can learn so much from learning the language of maps and developing their awareness of geography. As the world becomes more globalized, there is a need for young people to know how to talk about the world. Americans in particular are criticized for their lack of awareness of geography. As teachers and parents, we have the ultimate power to bury this stereotype.
Because of the critical importance of teaching map skills, Globally Taught has many activities to support young people in their geography studies.
The Definition of a Compass Rose
The compass rose is a circular figure on maps with 4 or 8 points that shows the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) and the intermediate directions (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest). The term ‘rose’ refers to its flower-like shape.
Now, the compass rose does not show itself on Google Maps, Waze, or any other map apps because these apps automatically orient you. Compass roses were initially meant to orient people in the right direction when they were navigating without the comfort of an iPhone. However, knowing how the compass rose works is still a relevant skill. We have calculators to do algebra, but we still learn how to do algebra. The learning is not so much about the product anymore. It is about learning a skillset that students can easily apply in different contexts. The context is as important as the knowledge.
A few of my favorite tools for teaching map skills is through songs and simulations. Learning about geography means interacting the the world around you in an authentic way. Worksheets are an excellent way to practice and assess learning, but we also want to make the learning ‘sticky’ with authentic activities.
In my set of Compass Rose Activities, you can find all the materials you need to run a successful lesson on the compass rose. Students will sing the Compass Shuffle to help instill the cardinal and intermediate directions.
After completing practice worksheets, you will have the chance to play Four Directions – my take on the game Four Corners. You can even make hopscotch into a fun game to practice the cardinal directions. The possibilities are numerous.
Geography is the study of land and its features, so students should be engaging with the land in their learning of maps. The age of exploration and the era of the compass rose may be over, but students still benefit from knowing how to orient themselves in the world. Phones stop working, so having the critical thinking skills to find your way home will be a lesson that never goes out of relevance.
Geography is seldom boring for young, curious minds. It opens up the entire world and reframes our relation to nearby states, regions, countries, and lands. My own love of geography has grown over the years from teaching it to young people who want to deeply understand the world. We cannot expect students to intelligently talk about world affairs before they can articulate directions. So, it is important to study the compass at school because it shows you what has come before and helps you understand how our society has been built. Let’s return to teaching the compass.