Draw the Map From Memory
Each sheet gives the outline and a few states or countries already drawn and named. The student draws the rest from memory, writes each name and ticks it off the list. Every set has three levels and an answer key.
Six sets
Pick a map to draw.
Each one is a free four-page PDF sized for US Letter paper.
The 50 States
The outline of the United States. Alaska and Hawaii are given on every sheet.
Thirteen states drawn, then four, then none.
downloadPDF: 3 levels + answer key
Europe
40 countries to draw, with six tiny ones to mark with a dot.
Twelve countries drawn, then four, then none.
downloadPDF: 3 levels + answer key
Africa
49 countries and Western Sahara to draw, with five island nations to mark with a dot.
Fourteen countries drawn, then four, then none.
downloadPDF: 3 levels + answer key
Asia
41 countries to draw, with nine small ones to mark with a dot.
Twelve countries drawn, then four, then none.
downloadPDF: 3 levels + answer key
South America
12 countries and French Guiana. A good first continent.
Three countries drawn, then one, then none.
downloadPDF: 3 levels + answer key
Central America
Seven countries on one big, clear strip. The easiest set.
Two countries drawn, then one, then none.
downloadPDF: 3 levels + answer keyThree levels
Level 1
The outline, with the most anchors drawn and named, placed where the map is most crowded. On Europe, Africa and Asia the smallest countries are drawn as well.
Level 2
The same map with about half the anchors. More of the middle has to come from memory.
Level 3
The outline alone. Every border and every name is the student’s own.
Frequently asked questions
What grade are these for?
Central America and South America suit grades 3 to 5. The 50 states, Europe, Africa and Asia are a real challenge for grades 5 to 8, and for any child who loves maps.
Why are some states or countries already drawn?
They are anchors. With one border in the right place, a student can build the neighbors off it and keep the whole map in proportion. Level 1 gives the most anchors, Level 2 gives fewer, and Level 3 is the outline alone.
How do I mark it?
The last page of each PDF is the answer key, drawn at the same size and in the same position as the sheets. Give one point for each state or country drawn and named in the right place, and one more if its shape is close.
What about countries that are too small to draw?
Countries such as Monaco, Singapore and Bahrain are listed under the checklist. The student marks each one with a dot and writes its name.