Maps can be mysterious, showing the location of a hidden treasure, they can be informative, helping us find our way to a friend’s house or they can spark our imagination, representing a world that only exists in our mind.  Maps are also a fantastic way to get children excited about using their developing reading and writing skills, making this a great class both for emerging or reluctant readers/writers as well as confident readers/writers.  

Each week, learners will take a close-up look at a different type of map.  On each map, we will notice how it includes symbols, words, numbers, and drawings to represent information.  Then I will present the class with a map making challenge and everyone will work on making maps of their own. Along the way, we will also discuss map terms and the ways that people use maps in their everyday lives.  

The overarching goal of this class is to ignite excitement about map-making as a playful and meaningful way to use literacy skills at home.  Every week, learners will create their own unique maps, taking what they have noticed about the maps we explore and using their creativity and imagination.  

Week 1: Treasure maps – We will look at a mysterious map and follow a path where we could possibly find a buried treasure.  This treasure map might be pretend, but it still gives us a chance to discuss real map terms like the compass rose and how pictures and words can be used on a map to show the terrain like quicksand and deep lakes.  The map-making challenge will be to make a treasure map of their own or make a map to use for a treasure hunting game in their own home. 

Week 2: Maps of special places – We will look at two visitor maps, noticing lots of ways that symbols, pictures, numbers, and words are included on these maps to help us find our way around a new place we visit.  We will also see how a key/legend can help us to understand a map’s symbols.  Our map challenge of the week will be connected to making a map of a special place, real or imagined, and will encourage learners to include symbols and a key on their map.

Week 3: Street maps & using a map to find your way – we will take a virtual walk with my dog, noticing street names, intersections, and landmarks and talk about how we can use a map to find our way.  The challenge this week will be to make a “walking map” either outdoors or inside your own home.

Week 4: Unusual maps – Did you know that people can use a map to find the path up the side of a rock wall, or that they have maps of the ocean floor?  We will look at two examples of these more unusual maps to get our creative juices flowing as we think about making an unusual map of our own.  This week’s challenge will be to make an unusual map. Will it be a map in outer space? Will it be a map a bunny could use to find carrots in a garden?  The possibilities are endless.  It will be exciting to see what types of maps the learners create.  

I look forward to exploring and creating maps together!

I also offer a Flexible schedule version of this class which is taught through pre-recorded videos viewed on your own schedule.  If you would like more information, here is a link to the FLEX version of the class:
https://outschool.com/classes/marvelous-maps-exploring-and-making-maps-together-AbNiYCe4?usid=3CuwGyJY&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link