Explain the cardinal directions to children using the globe. Show your position on it and show what North, South, West and East mean. Use the example of an astronaut, for whom the respective terms -- in respect with our position -- are above, below, to the left, to the right.
Bring two magnets to the class and show how their poles can either attract or repel each other, without getting into detail. Explain how the two poles of the Earth (showing the globe) act as magnet poles and that the North attracts the needle of the compass, which is also a magnet.
Show the compass to children and explain what the letters N, W, S and E on it mean. Ask one kid at a time to come to you and hold the compass straight so that the needle can move. Wait until the needle stabilizes and move on.
Ask the child to move her whole body so that the needle is pointing towards the "N." Touch her by the shoulders to help her body face north.
Tell the child to look straight: this way is North, towards the North Pole. His or her back is facing South, towards Antarctica. On the right hand side is East (ask the kid to look or point right), while on the left hand side is West.