What Are Cardinal Directions?

Cardinal directions (also known as compass points) determine the direction of travel between two places. The four main cardinal directions (also sometimes referred to as compass points) are north, south, east and west.

This printable cardinal directions worksheet has been designed to help your students consolidate their knowledge of the four main cardinal directions. 

Students will cut out the landmarks on page 2. They will use the clues on page 1 to place the landmarks in the correct positions on the map.

Additional Uses for This Cardinal Directions Worksheet

In addition to individual student work time, use this map skills worksheet as a:

• post-lesson exit ticket 
• homework assignment
• whole-class review (via smartboard).

Should your students need a refresher on the four main compass directions, display our Compass Direction Posters in your classroom as a visual reminder.

A Variety of Ways to Prepare This Resource

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete.

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by reading the clues out loud and moving them in place through choral response. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

This resource was created by Nicole Ellis, a Teach Starter collaborator.