{"id":18164,"date":"2018-01-26T10:51:41","date_gmt":"2018-01-26T15:51:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mapofthemonth.com\/site\/?p=18164"},"modified":"2022-10-26T13:25:41","modified_gmt":"2022-10-26T17:25:41","slug":"geography-fun-young-learners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mapofthemonth.com\/site\/geography-fun-young-learners\/","title":{"rendered":"Map Concepts for Young Learners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here at Maps for the Classroom, we know it is never too early to introduce geography concepts to young learners! \u00a0There are many fun ways for students in Grades 1 to 4 \u00a0know more about their world.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Introducing basic concepts<\/h2>\n

As we all know, kids like to learn about new things and new places! \u00a0Use their natural curiosity to introduce geography concepts.<\/p>\n

Just comparing different locations can start a great geography discussion. \u00a0For instance, what is the different between URBAN and RURAL?<\/p>\n

\u00a0 Two simple photos like these can make an impression about the differences between rural and urban locations. \u00a0\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Kids love books that present concepts in a fun way. \u00a0This one, published by National Geographic, a good one!\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Animals Help with Geography!<\/h2>\n

Locate those creatures kids love in their natural habitats. \u00a0Introduce the concept of PLACE, and also CLIMATE. \u00a0Don’t forget to compare how different these places might be from where your students live!<\/em><\/p>\n

The large \u00a0Golden Crowned Flying fox is from Mindanao in \u00a0the Philippines. \u00a0It comes from a ISLAND within a COUNTRY made up of\u00a0a total of 7,107 islands. \u00a0He thrives<\/span>\u00a0in a TROPICAL climate where there is no cold winter.<\/p>\n

Photo: Gregg Yan\"\"<\/a><\/h6>\n

All kids love penguins! \u00a0Introduce that they live in a frozen DESERT of the CONTINENT of ANTARCTICA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Most kids might have seen a wonderful striped zebra in the zoo.<\/p>\n

Let them know that plains zebras come from the CONTINENT of AFRICA<\/a>, in the COUNTRY of Tanzania, in dry grassy SAVANNAH where few trees grow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Introducing maps!<\/h2>\n

Hands-on activity maps<\/a> make a huge impression on young learners. \u00a0Instead of just looking at a map, kids get more involved when labeling a map.<\/h4>\n

MAP-MAKING \u00a0IS FUN, especially if the map is large, for a lot of room to add color and detail! \u00a0These maps shown\u00a0HERE,<\/a> are a BIG 16″ X 20″!<\/p>\n

Wall maps and\u00a0atlases do not make as large an impression as when students act as “cartographers” by completing their own maps.<\/p>\n

Large size hands-on \u00a0maps work best.\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Kids use tablets? \u00a0Combine and reinforce computer skills with geography. After working on hands-on maps, compare Google maps to the location the student has worked on!<\/p>\n

LUNCHTIME!<\/h2>\n

Kids love fun FOOD! \u00a0 Connecting favorite flavors or unusual foods to places is one way to start young learners thinking about PLACE!<\/p>\n

For instance, most kids know about sushi. \u00a0 Do they know it comes from the ISLAND COUNTRY of JAPAN<\/a>, in the PACIFIC OCEAN?<\/p>\n

\u00a0Bento<\/strong><\/em> are small meals prepared lunch-box style, in small containers. \u00a0Bento can resemble animals, video game characters, or people!\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Learn While Snacking!<\/h2>\n

On this same theme– a useful tool for learning that can be used at snack time or at lunch are\u00a0PLACE MAPS<\/a>!<\/h4>\n

These maps of the USA are a perfect size for a desktop protector, printed on smooth spill-resistant paper. \u00a0Colorful Place-Maps<\/b> show the names, capitals, nicknames and mottos of all 50 states.<\/p>\n

A list at the side\u00a0allows students to keep track of their accomplishments during the school year. \u00a0For example–\u00a0list concepts learned<\/span>, books read about different locations, vocabulary words!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Simple “sketch maps”<\/h2>\n

Simple Sketch maps, like\u00a0“All Around with Professor Earthworm map”,<\/a>\u00a0 present the continents in a very simple way.<\/p>\n

Simple outline map with many activities on the map itself for labeling Oceans and Continents.<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A 14-page \u00a0PDF \u201cMap Challenge\u201d for this map\u00a0\u00a0gives you loads of additional activities just for this map. \u00a0Useful information about geography, animals and culture! \u00a0Download the map challenge\u00a0HERE<\/strong><\/a>!<\/p>\n

WOW– look at that!<\/h2>\n

Unusual buildings and structures can be described by LOCATION, to introduce GEOGRAPHY and HISTORY at the same time.<\/p>\n

When you refer to a famous structure always be sure to find its place in the world on some kind of map. \u00a0Here you could use a New York State <\/a>or NY City map<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Pyramids? \u00a0Check out a free download about the SAHARA DESERT here<\/a>!\"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Kids in other places<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To learn about PLACE, \u00a0kids find FLAGS appealing! \u00a0Try a hands-on approach to different countries with a LARGE\u00a0Flags of the World<\/a> activity sheet.<\/p>\n

Wow– where do other kids live and go to school?\"\"\"\"<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/h4>\n

Mapping their world<\/h2>\n

Once kids understand what a map is, they benefit from mapping their own surroundings.<\/p>\n

How about having kids draw their classroom as a map? \u00a0Or their neighborhood?<\/p>\n

To prepare for these creative maps, a simple hands-on map that depicts locations \u00a0familiar to most kids is a \u00a0BASIC MAP SKILLS map<\/a>.\"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

This map shown here represents a fictional town of Oceanside<\/a>. \u00a0 Activities help kids easily earn to make, read and understand maps. \u00a0\u00a0Concepts? — map grid, map key and symbols, and compass rose!<\/p>\n

\"compass<\/a><\/p>\n

Here are examples of \u00a0student work on this map!<\/h4>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Submitted by 1st Grader, No. Attleboro, MA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Submitted by 4th Grader, Rumford, RI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

For extra FREE activities, download a free 18-page \u201cMap Challenge\u201d PDF<\/a>\u00a0 from our site<\/a>. \u00a0 You and your students can work in-depth with this\u00a0hands-on activity map. \u00a0How to draw a compass rose, and a feature about bikes — get kids excited. Get the free download HERE<\/strong><\/a>.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Books AND maps<\/h2>\n

Maps that go along with reading projects are always a way to combine literacy with geography studies. \u00a0Here is a fun book for young readers — it works well with a hands-on\u00a0TREASURE MAP<\/a>!\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A large blank map, with activities, can be adapted to the book you are reading in class \u00a0Download the FREE “Map Challenge”<\/a> that adds extra activities!<\/span>\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

<\/h2>\n

REQUIRED READING?<\/h2>\n

When a book is in your curriculum, try to find ways to make a map part of your literacy work. \u00a0Can you tie in a USA<\/a> or a \u00a0STATE map<\/a>? \u00a0Or a \u00a0REGION or\u00a0COUNTRY<\/a> map? \u00a0No matter what the grade level, hands-on maps<\/a> helps students locate \u00a0story and characters in a PLACE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Once a Day Geography!<\/h2>\n

Want an EASY way to talk about geography concepts every day? \u00a0The\u00a0Geography Question of the Day Perpetual Calendar<\/a>\u00a0 encourages a short daily discussion. \u00a0This 12-month presentation features a geography-related question for every weekday of the year.<\/p>\n

Here is a detail, with some sample questions!
\n\"\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

Daily questions are geared toward all grade levels. Questions are progressive \u2014 start with basic concepts in September, move \u00a0towards more complex geography concepts as the year progresses.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

DAILY, in a few minutes, your students can use to learn more about the geography of their state, country and the world they live in!<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Getting started!<\/h2>\n

Some simple steps can get you started, adding more simple geography into your class! \u00a0So…<\/h4>\n

Consider doing something every day — can you add a touch of geography?<\/p>\n

Use LARGE hands-on maps<\/a> with extra activities<\/a> to reinforce concepts in a fun way.<\/p>\n

Add mapping to your literacy efforts.<\/p>\n

Kids REMEMBER CONCEPTS more easily by making and labeling maps!<\/p>\n

Introduce simple sketch maps– draw some yourself, you and your students.<\/p>\n

All hands-on activity maps are easy to find HERE<\/a>!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Here at Maps for the Classroom, we know it is never too early to introduce geography concepts to young learners! \u00a0There are many fun ways for students in Grades 1 to 4 \u00a0know more about their world. Introducing basic concepts As we all know, kids like to learn about new things and new places! \u00a0Use […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4988,"featured_media":18270,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[203],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-geography-blog","post-wrapper","thrv_wrapper"],"yoast_head":"\nMap Concepts for Young Learners - Maps for the Classroom<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It's never too early to introduce geography to young learners. 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