Window Orienteering: The Map with Holes

Pairs use a map that shows only a round window around each control flag, with everything in between left blank, so they must remember the school to choose a direction. Students build memory of their surroundings, map orientation and decision making.

How to play

1. Prepare two 8-flag courses: one with a full map and one with a window map (circles about 3 cm, or an inch, showing only the area around each flag).
2. Take 3 minutes to explain the two maps and pair students up with a control card.
3. First lap (6 minutes): run with the full map, noticing paths, buildings and features between flags.
4. Second lap (8 minutes): with the window map, pairs pick the direction to each next flag from memory; on arrival, they check the window matches and write the code.
5. If a pair gets lost, they go back to the last window they recognized and re-orient the map.
6. Wrap up for 3 minutes by comparing times from the two laps.

Rules

• Both laps are always done with a partner.
• Run only in allowed areas; walk around corners and in hallways.
• No full map on the second lap.
• If two pairs meet at a flag, write the code without blocking it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: use an accessible course with windows that show the ramps.
• Autism or shyness: preview the course with photos of each area and keep the same partner.
• Fitness level: add a time limit on the second lap for students who want more challenge.

Learning goals

• Recall the layout of the school to navigate with incomplete information.
• Orient the map at each flag to choose a direction.
• Compare their own performance across two situations.

Equipment for a class of 25

• maps: 26
• control flags: 16
• control cards: 13
• pencils: 13

Teacher tip

Make the windows by cutting circles out of a sheet of paper and photocopying the map through it. It works best once students have run a few courses at school; otherwise use bigger windows.

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