Lesson Plan Title : Making a Map

Age Range: Kindergarten through Grade 2 (Early Elementary)

Overview and Purpose: Where am I? Maps are valuable tools for figuring that out. Knowing how to draw and read a map is even better! Students will have lots of fun as they discover the importance of these skills in the following lesson.

Objective: The student will be able to

*make a map of his school.

*make a map of his neighborhood.

Resources:

Drawing paper

Overhead projector

Transparency

Vis a Vis markers

Activities:

Start the lesson by asking students help you draw a map of the classroom using the overhead projector. Talk about the placement of the doors and windows, desks, and bookshelves. Show them how to draw boxes to represent those items and how to label them.

Next, explain that they are going to work in groups to make maps of the school. Take the students on a tour of the school. Point out the cafeteria, playground, gym, etc. Come back to class and list the important places on the board. Divide students into groups and have them draw and label a map of the school.

When all the groups are finished, have them share their maps with the class.

Wrap Up:

A homework assignment for this lesson would be to have the students work with their parents to make a map of their neighborhood. Where are the stores, their friends' houses, etc.

Another idea would be to draw up a treasure map of the playground, make copies, distribute them to your students, and have them follow their map to find a hidden treasure. The treasure could be anything from candy to a voucher for free-time, etc., and it could be for one student or the whole class. It is up to you!