After reading Unit II in Integrating Language Arts and Social Studies by Leah M. Melber and Alyce Hunter I found a great activity that I could modify for use in my classroom. I chose ‘Strategy 7’ on pages 48-54, titled “Developing Map Skills.”
To develop map skills in my classroom I would first explore different kinds of maps with the students. These various maps can include (but not limited to) town, state, country, world maps; road maps; and theme park maps. Different sources could be used to explore these maps such as books, the Internet, Google Earth, and the globe. We would also discuss the importance of using maps and how they can help you explore places around you or help you get from one place to another. We would explore our school and create a map of our school. We would decide what symbols to use to represent different places within our school. We would create this together. Students could also then be asked to make a map of their home.
I have actually taught maps in the past. Some of the ideas I listed above are things I have done with my students. The students always seem interested to explore different maps and try to locate where they live on the map. We refer to maps several times through the year to locate a specific place we are learning about. We also have a story that creates a map to show the journey on a farm and what is seen.
I also enjoyed strategy 7. I was able to locate an interactive grid map http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/books/applications/imaps/maps/g2_u1/index.html#top. Don't know if will help you or not. I liked it. It is good for younger students, EC kids, & ESL students. Also a good example on how kids could create their own.
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