Map Drawing for Kids

To a small child, the idea of drawing a map may feel abstract and overwhelming.  This week, I’d like to share with you an easy and fun lesson for strengthening spatial relations and exploring map making.  I made one for home that we call The Map Game.

The object of the game is to take turns creating a neighborhood or area for the other person to copy.  We created a street with homes today, but other times I’ve created indoor rooms, strip malls, farms, and cities.  My audience, being two 3 year olds and a 4 year old, I kept the map very simple for their success.  I made it out of two green pieces of felt and a bunch of wooden blocks.  You could use toys like Legos or doll house furniture to make this.  When making this activity, be sure that each piece as an exact match for your partner to recreate.

After we make a few different neighborhoods together, we get out some drawing materials.  This one, my 4 year old made of our neighborhood.  What kind of maps will you make?

Jessie is a Primary Montessori Teacher and Mom to twin three year olds and a four year old.  Jessie has a Montessori blog at The Education Of Ours, and can be found on Twitter.