Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Continents and Oceans Log: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 2
- ForYear 2
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Continents and Oceans Log is a free printable geography worksheet for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. Children fill in an explorer log by choosing words from a word bank. They practise the names of the seven continents and five oceans of the world. Page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help ideas and a stretch task.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children play the part of an explorer and fill in a log. They read the log, then choose words from the word bank and write them on the lines. The sheet practises the Key Stage 1 locational knowledge aim of naming and locating the world's seven continents and five oceans. A globe or atlas beside the sheet helps children see where each place is.
Continents and oceans in simple terms
A continent is a very large area of land. Countries sit inside continents, so a continent is much bigger than a country. Schools in England teach that there are seven continents, and children learn their names and where to find them. An ocean is a very large area of salt water. Oceans lie between and around the continents, and they are much bigger than seas or lakes.
Young children often meet the world as a flat map or a round globe. A globe shows the Earth as a ball, so shapes and distances look more like the real thing. A flat map is easier to carry and write on. Using both helps children understand that the same places can look different, and that land and water share the planet.
Fun facts about our world
- A continent is land and an ocean is water.
- Ocean water is salty, so you cannot drink it.
- There is more water than land on the surface of the Earth.
- The oceans are all joined together, so water can travel from one to another.
- A globe is a model of the Earth shaped like a ball.
Skills and curriculum link
- World knowledge
- Reading
- Using a word bank
- Locating places on a map
- Handwriting
Ideas to help you talk about the sheet
- Land and waterAsk your child to look at a globe and point to a colour that shows land and a colour that shows water. This helps them tell continents and oceans apart.
- Globe and mapLook at a globe, then at a flat map of the world. Ask what is the same and what looks different. Children learn that both show the same Earth.
- Using an atlasAn atlas is a book of maps. Show your child the contents page or the world map and let them turn the pages to find places.
- Say it aloudHearing names and saying them helps them stick. Read each word from the word bank slowly together before choosing.
Key words
- ContinentA very large area of land on the Earth.
- OceanA very large area of salt water.
- GlobeA model of the Earth shaped like a ball.
- AtlasA book of maps.
- Word bankA list of words to choose from when you write.
- ExplorerA person who travels to find out about new places.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes for the grown-up.
- Read the log together. Let your child look at the word bank before they choose any words.
- Have a globe or atlas nearby. Point to each place together as your child writes.
- Work through it together the first time and talk about each choice. Then check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Say the continents slowly in a chant, one at a time, and let your child copy you. Give them a map with the names printed on it. Point to a place, say its name together, then find the same word in the word bank.
To stretch confident children
Ask your child to list all seven continents from memory, then find each one in an atlas. They can tick each one as they find it. Then ask them to name the five oceans and point to them too.
Make it a game
Hide a toy treasure somewhere in the room. Give your child map clues using continent and ocean names, such as pointing to a spot and calling it by a name. Swap roles so they hide it and give you the clues.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child mixes up continents and oceans.
Try thisAsk, "Is this land or water?" Look at a globe together and trace around the land first, then around the water.
Watch forA child thinks a continent and a country are the same thing.
Try thisExplain that a continent is very big and has countries inside it. Show the United Kingdom on a map, then show the larger area that holds it.
Watch forA child copies a word from the bank with letters missing or in the wrong order.
Try thisSay the word slowly, tap out each part, then write it again with the bank word right beside the line. Check the spelling together.
Talk about it
- Which place on the globe would you most like to visit, and why?
- How can you tell land from water on a map?
- What is the difference between a continent and an ocean?
- Which names were easy to say, and which were tricky?
- What would an explorer need to pack for a long journey?
- Can you find where we live on the map?
Take it off the page
Draw a world map
Draw a simple outline of the world on a big sheet of paper. Colour the land one colour and the water another. Label what you can.
Paper boat voyage
Fold a paper boat and sail it in a bowl of water. Talk about oceans, then make up a voyage and say where your boat is going.
Treasure hunt map
Draw a map of your home or garden with a treasure spot marked. Let someone follow it, and name the places along the way.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first go, then let them lead. Keep a globe or atlas nearby and point to each place together. Praise effort and thinking, not only correct answers.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Use it on its own or as part of a wider geography plan. It pairs well with atlases, books and everyday talk about places. Print it again for brothers and sisters, or to revisit a few weeks later.
Where this fits in geography
In Key Stage 1, children begin to name and locate the world's continents and oceans. They also learn about the United Kingdom and use simple maps, globes and atlases. This sheet builds on that early work with places.
Later, in Key Stage 2, children use atlases and maps to study regions of the world in more detail. Knowing the names and places of the continents and oceans gives them a base for that work.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Continents and Oceans Log for?
It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. Younger children may enjoy it with help, and older children can use it as quick revision of the names.
- What will children practise?
They practise naming and locating the seven continents and five oceans of the world. This is a Key Stage 1 locational knowledge aim. They also read, use a word bank and write on lines.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it as many times as you need, for brothers, sisters or revision.
- What if my child finds it hard?
Try a chant. Say the names slowly, one at a time, and let your child copy you. Give them a map with the names printed on it, and point to each place on a globe together.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has help and stretch ideas for mixed groups.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. A globe or atlas is helpful, but it is not essential.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Colour is not needed to complete the log.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.