Investigating Maps
During play, we noticed children drawing on a piece of paper, rolling it up, and using it as their "map". They seemed so interested, we had to investigate further!
I asked the children what a map was for. Abi replied "It helps you get somewhere!" They understood that a map gives directions, but they were still figuring out how it worked. First we printed small examples of maps and asked children to draw their own. Many of them added their house, the school, and roads to their picture.
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| Ali K., James, & Abigail draw their own maps with inspiration from printed examples. |
To extend on their map knowledge, we introduced a large map of the United States. We noticed the children being very invested in this because they could relate it to trips they had taken. Many of our students have traveled this year and enjoyed a visible representation of where they had been. Measurement and comparison skills were incorporated as they saw how close or far places were. They also practiced positional words while seeing that they traveled close, far, up, down, or next to other places.
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| Camellia, Madison, Talia, & Reda explore a large map. They talk about places they have driven or flown and we mark them on the map. |
After gaining more experience and knowledge of maps, we revisited the idea of drawing our own. We noticed the children's drawings become more thoughtful and detailed. They were adding more detailed roads and more than one destination.
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| Josiah's map included his house, a road, and the school. While drawing, he said, "This is where my Auntie drives me". |
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| Lucas used long lines and dots to create his map. |
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| Adam's map includes his house, school, a market, and the road. |
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| Stella said, "My road is taking me to Target". She drew her house Target, her school, and some roads. |
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| Talia created a "Map to School". She added her house, the parking lot, the road, and the school. |
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| Maya created a map with many details including a restaurant and her vacation! |
We are excited to extend on this interest and see how the class learns and understands maps & directions in a new way.
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