You can name a square on a grid. Now turn it around: find a place on the map, then name its square.
Key idea
To name a place's square: find the place, go straight up to read its letter, then straight across to read its number.
Worked example: Where is the library?
In River Town, in which square is the library?
- Use the key: the library is the building with an open book.
- Straight up from it is the letter A.
- Straight across is the number 4.
Answer: A4.
Worked example: Where is the hospital?
In which square is the hospital?
- The hospital is the square with an H.
- Up: F. Across: 4.
Answer: F4.
Why it works
Grid squares let people find places fast. Many city maps and atlases have an index that lists places with their squares, like "Library ... A4."
Common mistake
It is easy to slip one square over and say A3 or B4. Run your finger in a straight line from the place to the edge, and read the label exactly where your finger lands.
For the grown-up. Older road atlases and many zoo or theme-park maps have a grid index. Look one up together and race to find a place.