How do you know which way is north on a map? Look for a little star-shaped drawing. It is called a compass rose.
Key idea
A compass rose shows the directions on a map. Going around like the hands of a clock from the top, they are north, east, south, west.
Why it works
Most maps put north at the top, but not all. A map of a trail might be turned to fit the page. The compass rose tells you for sure where north is, so you can find the other directions from it.
Worked example: A saying to remember
How can you remember the order N, E, S, W?
- Start at the top: N.
- Go around like a clock: E, then S, then W.
- Say: Never Eat Soggy Waffles.
Answer: Never Eat Soggy Waffles: north, east, south, west.
Common mistake
East and west are easy to swap. Start at N and go around the way a clock's hands turn: the very next one is E, on the right. West is on the left. "We" is on the left, like the "W" in "West."
For the grown-up. Draw a big compass rose on the sidewalk with chalk. Your child stands in the middle and jumps to the direction you call out.