Where is Iceland? Why are there tropical rainforests? Maps provide context for discussions about animal migration, human immigration, world history, world geography, and global ecosystems. Teachers and parents who are teaching children about the world will find it useful to have physical and political world maps on hand. There are maps that are specifically made for children, either for home or for classroom use.
Why Buy a World Map for Kids?
The world is a fascinating place, and world maps help children situate themselves in that place. They’re excellent for discussions about travel, about family history, and about different animals that live in different parts of the world. As children develop a sense of spatial awareness and begin to understand that parts of the world are very far away and very different from their home, a world map can aid in the discussion about places that are far away or close to home. Talk about the political boundaries on a political world map. How did they get there? Will they change in the future? Discuss the climate and physical geography of different parts of the world. Why are the tropical rainforests near the equator? Why is there ice at the poles?
Maps In the Classroom
Maps can be an intriguing part of a classroom unit on place. Head outside and map the schoolyard, paying specific attention to animal homes or the places that children play. Create a treasure map and follow it to discover a treasure using basic orienteering skills. For those who are teaching about world geography, every year the International Cartographic Association sponsors a fascinating contest that encourages children to create their own map of the world.
Poster-Style World Maps
Poster-style world maps are very practical. They roll into a tube when they are not in use, and they take up a small amount of wall space in a child’s bedroom or in a classroom. It’s possible to get poster-style maps of physical and political geography, world ecosystems, and more. Thematic maps of resource use, migration, and weather are just a few of the world maps that are available for children.
National Geographic Maps
National Geographic Online is an excellent resource for those curious about map-making and those who are looking for free maps. Map Machine has online maps, everything from street maps to world maps. There are also amazing print maps for sale, including physical and political world maps and maps of the solar system and the oceans. National Geographic also has online map puzzles that kids and adults can both play, since it is possible to change the level of difficulty.
Where to Buy World Map Posters
It’s possible to buy maps online through major poster and map retailers, although some have a limited selection of children’s maps. Maps.com offers a children’s world wall map that is packed with details about physical and political geography. It also has a world puzzle and an interesting selection of maps for the classroom, including a Montessori world map and an environmental and cultural world map. The All Posters site offers a selection of standard world maps at reasonable prices. There are several brightly-colored and simple world maps for children.
Maps are an invitation to explore the political and physical geography of the world. They’re an opening to discussion and adventure. To engage children in geography, choose colorful and detailed political and physical world maps that are specifically designed for classroom and home use.
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