Spatial Thinking
In Grade 2, students develop an understanding that islands are made up of many diverse regions and communities. They learn about cardinal directions, mapping, features of communities, plants and animals, weather patterns, and the environment as a resource. This knowledge helps students understand their physical surroundings and their relationship to the natural world.
Grade Two Expectations for Spatial Thinking
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Community Location and Features
- State the four cardinal directions
- Give directions to your community in relation to other districts or parishes using cardinal direction
- Recognize the value of directions for finding your way
- Describe the important natural and built features of your community
- Observe and illustrate the various natural and built features of your community
- Appreciate the unique landmark features of your community that you find interesting
- Identify the basic features of a map including title, key, compass rose, border
- Draw a map of your community which includes basic features
- Appreciate that a map can be used to show our important landmarks in the community
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Two, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Observing students during compass activities, map creation, plant identification, and community walks
- Conversations: Class discussions, critical thinking questions, guided discussions, student reflections
- Products: Maps, portfolios, drawings, lap books, weather logs, collages, models
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Compass rose model creation and accuracy assessment
- Weather log completion and analysis
- Map feature identification checklists
- Plant and animal classification activities
- Community feature identification during field trips
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- Maps and atlases of the country
- Compasses or compass apps
- Pictures of natural and built features
- Books and videos about plants, animals, and weather
- Materials for lap books, charts, and models
For Students
- Large drawing books or Bristol board for lap books
- Weather log templates
- Art materials for mapping and model construction
- Digital devices for recording observations
- Plant identifier apps (when available)
Teacher Content Knowledge
Cardinal Directions: Direction is the pathway along which an object is moving or the location of a feature based on the position of another feature. Cardinal directions are the four main points of a compass: north, south, east, and west which are also known by the first letters: N, S, E, and W.
Maps: A compass rose is a symbol found on maps that shows the four cardinal directions. Cardinal directions help identify the location of one thing or place in relation to another, known as relative location.
Environment as Resource: Resources are any materials in the environment or skills and abilities that can be used to satisfy needs and wants. They include natural resources (from nature), man-made resources (made by humans), and human resources (skills and talents people use).
Weather: Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions in a place over a short period of time. Weather patterns are the recurring atmospheric conditions observed over time. Weather affects the environment by influencing soil conditions, plant growth, animal behavior, and water availability.