Grade: 3-5
Subject: Geography

#4400. Tracing Paper Maps

Geography, level: 3-5
Posted Sat Apr 24 15:16:58 PDT 2010 by SocialTeacher (SocialTeacher).
100 Squares
New York
Materials Required: tracing paper, map
Activity Time: 40 minutes
Concepts Taught: maps, geography

This is a great way to teach students about a particular area using maps. I do this when I teach about the seven continents, but you can use it for states or countries, or any geographic area.

Xerox a map of the world (or any area) for each student. Staple a sheet of tracing paper to the front of the map.

Kids can trace the map - land and water. Then, have them label specific continents or countries or states or other areas. Have them label bodies of water too. Then, have them color the land green and the water blue.

When they're done, they can carefully detach the tracing paper from the map. They'll have their own, hand-drawn map.

This activity forces kids to focus on the names and locations of specific places. It also encourages them to notice the shapes of the land. And it should reinforce basic map skills too.