Study of Maps

The past few weeks, the kindergarten has been learning about maps! This social studies unit helps us as we transition to learning about ourselves and our community to expand our views and learn more about the similarities and differences we share with other children in the world.

We begun by sharing what we already know about maps.

We knew that they can tell you where to go. We know that pirates use maps to hide their treasure. We shared about maps we have seen before.

Then we began to look at different types of maps together. We looked at maps of Church Square Park, Hoboken, New Jersey, United States, and finally the whole world.

We noticed different colors and pictures on maps. We took a walking trip to Columbus Park. The children had their own map and they navigated the way at each street corner! We learned about cardinal directions and how sometimes its easier to turn your map upside down. Some children claimed to be GPS’s on our trip.

We attempted making our own maps! Treasure maps were a favorite topic so with a partner, the children hid a small treasure in the classroom and had to make a map of the classroom marking where it was. Once the children swapped maps, they found their hidden treasure!