mapping

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Archive : 2004 : November : 7

mapping
By chris

I have taught a mapping lesson with K - 1 children . We begin by looking at several different kinds of maps and discuss the markings that we see. Pointing out the compass rose and the map key. I then talk about the lines
on the map are like the lines on our palms of our hands. We talk about fictional maps and what types of things might be shown on their map. We make a list on the chalkboard of things they might want to show and talk about the symbol that they may choose to use too. We then also talk about directions (N,S,E,W). I model all this after our discussion on the chalkboard, but larger. I

make a large hand and then draw the lines from the palm of my hand. For the younger children I trace around their hands and have them add the major lines that they see on their palms. Some children want the lines to be streets, highways, roads (great vocabulary) lakes, streams, train tracks. We then use our list from the chalkboard to add other points of interest on their hand maps. I usually limit it to no more than 3 or 4 items, since their hands are small and everything they want to put on is more than their handprint map can hold. They draw forest, grocery stores, churches, parks, schools, hospitals, etc. We then regroup and talk about the map key and again I demonstrate on the chalkboard using my sample, making illustrations to symbolize each point of interest. Last we talk about the compass rose and what it represents and why it is useful. On their map they too make a compass rose labeling each direction. they can use their last name as the title of their map such as (Jonesville). Later it is fun to have the children share their hand maps and tell us where one point of interest is ( the church is north of the school) For older children I have entended this same lesson but used a large piece of butcher paper and had groups of two children work together to make a fictional map specifiying specific points of interest that they should have. The also name their map and write questions for others to find points of interest. They write stories about their maps and depending on the age level could use a scale to measure for distance from point to point. This sample activity can be used on the computer using KidPix. I hope all this helps. Chris