Map skills are so important for children of all ages. When children look at and interpret maps, they are not only learning geography; they're building upon their knowledge of reading, math, problem solving, and science as well. Today, I'd like to recommend 4 books that will bring maps to life for your child.
We already introduced the essential resource Me on the Map, but here are some other books which will complement it nicely. They can be used to introduce map skills to children in grades 1 through 4.
A really fun Cat in the Hat's Learning Library book is There's a Map on My Lap!: All About Maps, by Tish Rabe. It's presented in a way that children can really relate to and remember. After you read it, your child might ask you for an orange, a globe, a ruler, some string, and a variety of maps. If you have a puzzle of the USA, you'll find them asking for that too!
What does a dog have to do with map skills? You may get an interesting answer to this one from your child! You can follow up the question by reading Loreen Leedy's Mapping Penny's World. A great book-to-book connection can be made if you also read Measuring Penny, which I mentioned previously.
For children who prefer to get down to business with straight nonfiction, you'll love Maps & Globes, by Jack Knowlton. It starts with a discussion of maps from ancient civilizations, and your child will even learn something about explorers along the way. It also provides an introduction of the different kinds of maps.
A nice complement to any of these books is Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary, which is also by Jack Knowlton. From an archipelago to the five zones of the earth, you'll find that this book may spark some interesting discussions.
I would be prepared to have a wide variety of maps handy when you read these books! As wonderful as picture books are, they're even better when you use them along with real life objects, situations and hands-on materials.
Every child IS different, though. Some might want to just read a book without discussing it at all, and that's okay. Reading and learning should never be forced. Just remember that the more enthusiastic you are about a particular book or topic, the greater the chance that your child will be too. Have fun together!
Some children learn best through art. If that's the case with your child, you might want to try the book Global Art: Activities, Projects, and Inventions From Around the World, by MaryAnn F. Kohl.
If you'd like to recommend any other books or activities relating to this topic, please feel free to share.
