One advantage of homeschooling is being able to take your learning anywhere. Even the car. Map skills are life-long skills that help develop understanding of maps, directions, compass points, problem solving, and critical thinking.
All you need for this is a good map. For younger children, a smaller, local map will do. For older children, a larger map is fine. Living near a large city, we use a Mapsco map.
For younger children, you might want to consider the following:
Use a simple, smaller map
- Use a simpler map, or make a map yourself. Plot out only a few routes you most commonly go (to the store, the library, the way to a friend's house).
Look before you go
- Before you leave, look at the map with your child and talk about how you get there.
Talk it out
- As you drive, talk about what you are doing and where you are ("We are turning right on Avenue N. Now we are passing railroad tracks...now we are passing Peach St.)
Make guesses
- Have your children guess which way you are going to go. For example, tell them, "When we get to Oak St. we will go north. Do you think that will be a left or right turn?" Or vice versa. Either way, it can help a younger child learn left/right better and introduce the compass directions (north, south, east, west).
For older children, this can become more involved.
Use a more complicated map
- An expanded map is a good challenge. Talk about what they see on the map. Go over map symbols, how to tell the difference between minor and major streets, and other landmarks. Review compass directions on a map.
Have them follow as you drive
- Let them follow your course on the map. Tell them, "We are passing Park Place now. What is the next street?". Just like with younger children, talk it out. Only let them do more of the talking this time!
Let them navigate
- Plan a simple outing, like to a grocery store or a park. Help them find it on tha map. Then, settle into the driver's seat and let them give you directions. Go that way even if it is wrong (but, please do not go the wrong way down a one-way street or anything!).
Kids love to be in charge. Maps can give them that sense of power and develop life-long skills. So, take your school on the road!
The copyright of the article Homeschooling with Maps in Homeschooling is owned by Christine Alcott. Permission to republish Homeschooling with Maps in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
