Materials
Real maps that have been laminated
Tape
Toy cars and traffic signs
Blocks
Globe
Various classroom maps, such as fire exit or nap map
Pencils
Paper
Cardboard boxes
Scissors
Toy construction vehicles
Construction hats, optional
Instructions
1. Before children arrive, tape a laminated map to the floor in the Construction Zone.
When the children ask what it is, explain that it is a map that tells you where
to go in a city. Point out all the different things on the map.
2. Encourage the children to play with the map by placing blocks, toy cars and
traffic signs on it.
3. At Circle Time, show the children a globe and other maps, such as the fire
exit map and the nap map that the substitute uses. Explain that maps provide
directions so that people can find things.
4. With the children, make a map of the classroom.
5. Put paper and pencils in the Construction Zone and encourage children to make
signs and draw maps after they build a block city.
6. The next day, help the children cut out the corners of boxes to make mountains.
Help them make rivers or lakes using construction paper.
7. On another day, add toy construction vehicles because roads are often under
construction. If desired, put construction hats in the center for them to wear.
More to do
Bury "treasure" outside on the playground. Make a treasure map of the playground
and encourage the children to use it to find the buried treasure.
