Maps of the Classroom

I began our current social studies unit by reading Me on the Map, by Joan Sweeney.  Last year the Kindergarten classes had a whole unit based on this book, so most of my kiddos were familiar with it; nevertheless it's such a great introduction to maps and geography that I didn't mind repeating it (and the kiddos didn't either).  Specifically, it's a perfect reminder about how our community and country fit into the world.  

After reading the book, we discussed how maps can be useful to see landmarks, distance, and important features.  I also introduced some geography vocabulary words, such as key, legend, compass rose, cardinal directions, and scale, using the book We Need Directions, a Rookie Read-About Geography book.  (There are a bunch of these little books that cover a variety of geography topics -- so helpful!) Then, we created individual classroom maps.  We talked about why we might need a map of the classroom, for instance if we got a new student, had a substitute teacher, or invited our families to visit, they might use the map to find our pencil sharpener or computers.  Firsties often struggle to show objects from the birds-eye perspective so their maps can be quite interesting; nevertheless, they love adding their table, cubbies, shelves, and other classroom features.  

Their maps turned out so well!