- Definition
A legend is a small box on a map that tells you what the different symbols, colours, and lines on the map mean.
The legend on a zoo map might show that a picture of a monkey stands for the monkey house.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A map's legend is like a secret decoder that tells you what all the symbols and colours mean.
Ask your child: Let's find the legend. What does this symbol mean?
Common mix-up: Kids may think a 'legend' is a type of story. On a map, the legend is a key that explains what the symbols mean.
Examples
- A weather map legend shows that a picture of a sun means it will be sunny.
- On a park map, the legend explains that a drawing of a swing set marks the playground.
legend is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+3 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
