Social Studies Maps
When learning about the world we live in, kids are very curious to know that there are plenty more places that exist in this world. Although it may be difficult to grasp at first, kids eventually go on to learn the names of these states and countries and even identify them on a map. Kids are exposed to maps at a very young age, usually during the toddler or preschool years. Maybe it was on a family road trip when Dad had to pull out the road map to see where the family was headed, or perhaps your little one enjoyed a wooden puzzle that showcased a map of the United States. Whatever the case, your little one has already been learning about this world through maps for several years.
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Finding the Right Map
Whether you're choosing a map for your classroom or your home, there are certain features to look for. First, you want to make sure that it is age appropriate. Maps for younger kids are brightly colored and simpler in form, so kids are able to grasp the different states and countries they're looking at. It's best to start with a map of your own country first, such as that of the U.S. This way, kids can identify where it is that they live so the idea becomes more concrete. Some maps will offer brightly colored states and countries and place the names of big cities or landmarks, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa or Mount Rushmore. This is a fun way to introduce that each state or country has something special to offer. Second, make sure the map you choose is durable, laminated is best as it's easy on the fingerprints. To avoid kids touching the map in the classroom, you can use a pointer stick. Third, make sure your map matches up with what you are teaching. There are special maps for presidential elections, population, and 3coded.
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Electronic Maps
As the world is moving in the direction of electronics, it's no surprise that many maps come in electronic versions. These electronic maps are great for both homes and classrooms, so check them out and see if they're right for you. The advantage of electronic maps is that they are interactive. They basically do the work for you, teaching kids about states and countries, as well as different features in the world, such as landmarks, longitude, latitude, and population. Best of all, they offer interactive quizzes that test kids' skills on what they've learned. For great products, try the GeoSafari Laptop that offers three levels of play and interaction. You can also opt for computer software that teaches kids about maps, which is also interactive and a great way to get some hands-on learning time in a fun way.
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