We suggest an optional activity that helps students gain a better understanding of the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west).

For this activity, you will need to make four signs:

• North
• South
• East
• West

You will use these signs to label your classroom walls with the appropriate cardinal direction. To identify which sign goes where, you can use a compass or Google Maps.

Here’s how to identify the directions using Google Maps:

1. Open Google Maps and enter your school’s street address.
2. Zoom in on your school and look at the surrounding streets and landmarks.
3. North is always up on Google Maps. Find a landmark that’s to the north of your school.
4. Put North on the wall that’s closest to that landmark.
5. Face North. Put West on the wall to your left, East on the wall to your right, and South on the wall behind you.