Our maps are designed for hands-on use by your students. The following suggestions will help you an dyour students get the most out of Map of the Month products. Although we stress learning geography and cartographic skills, our maps can be used when teaching other subjects as well. Consider them also for:

• Current Events
• History
• Culture
• Weather Studies

Resources

Our maps encourage research skills. Refer to an atlas, encyclopedia or other books to help complete each map.

Tools

The key to making an effective, legible map is neatness. Start with a pencil with a good eraser. Avoid using ballpoint pens or un-erasable markers. Use colored pencils rather than crayons or markers. Colored pencils allow for finer detailing and shading.

Labeling

Always print neatly. Do not use cursive writing style. When labeling, work from large details down to small ones. For example, start with continent names and oceans and label with all capital letters. For smaller details such as rivers, cities, etc., use lowercase letters.

Consider the age and dexterity of your students when deciding how much detail to include in a map. Older children have more dexterity in labeling, so their maps can be more detailed. Younger children may have trouble labeling small areas, so suggest less detailed labeling; perhaps more use of color.

Color

These are some suggestions (also see shading information that follows):

• Mountains
• Lakes and rivers
• Oceans (1/8 to 1/2 inch wide band)
• Deserts
• Forests or vegetation areas
• Divider lines between regions (a bright color drawn in a fine line)
• Roads and highways: (dark colors)

Shading

This technique lends color without covering up details or lettering. After defining an area on the map, such as a valley or desert, shade it in with a colored pencil. Use a colored pencil that is not too sharp. Make short, light strokes.

To show ocean, shade along the coastline with a narrow band of blue. 1/2 inch wide or less is enough. Completely shade in bays and shade over the river lines.

Symbols

In addition to color, you may want to use symbols to denote areas of interest on your map. Many of the Map of the Month maps have a Map Key with symbols already drawn in. Students often like to design their own symbols, but here are some suggestions for your use. Some of these are standard cartographic symbols; others are our own design.

Additional Details

Maps can be informative as well as decorative and attractive. You can color in a map border or create a border if there isn't one already. Color in any decorative lettering. For a state map, add drawings of a state flag, tree, bird, flower, etc. Depictions of natural resources or wildlife add interest and further expand the knowledge of the region. This also helps personalize a map and encourages creative skills.

Design Your Own

After using our maps, your students may want to design freehand maps of their own. A simple map of your neighborhood is an easy and fun way to expand cartographic skills. Create a Map Key with symbols for local landmarks, like school, post office, town hall, playgrounds, parks, etc. If you live along the shore, depict lighthouses, docks or swimming and fishing areas. In the city, be sure to include transportation routes, points of interest and important buildings. If you live in a rural area, show main roads as well as natural details such as wetlands, forests, fields, farmlands, etc.

We hope our suggestions are useful. We know you'll develop other uses for these maps as well, depending on your curriculum. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us.