Before the winter break, I was going through a cupboard in the classroom and found a box of maps--I brought them out and the students couldn't seem to get enough! They brought out the magnifying glasses and even tried to create their own maps using things they noticed on the maps!
They noticed so many things and had so many questions that we decided to learn more about them and then create our own map of the playground!
We read in one of our non-fiction books that the first thing you do when you're creating a map is list the things you want to include.
Then, we went outside and sketched our playground to see where things were located.
It was amazing to see how many details many of them included! Some included the parking lines, the different types of trees and bushes, and I found myself explaining to more than one student why "coloring in the blacktop" will make it very difficult to see all of the other details they added! :)
Some students added labels to their sketches as well!
We used Google Earth and Google Maps to help as we started creating our map!
Then, we got to work! I love seeing the students come together to create something. Some tasks that were more repetitious were split up--for instance, while some students tore up brown construction paper, others glued them down to the map as the dirt. Most of the time, though, the students chose what they wanted to create for the map.
Sometimes, students worked in pairs, collaborating and developing ideas and working together to complete the task. These girls figured out how to show the "hide-out" area in the trees using brown shiny paper that was torn so it still looked like dirt.
A couple students asked to be in charge of creating the "cherry trees" that are on the other side of the parking lot. From developing a vision, to finding the materials, testing their design, making changes, to finally getting to see their hard work pay off--these kinders worked hard and persevered!
Other times, students used their own imaginations to create things independently. And if one student finished something early, oftentimes, he/she would offer help to the other groups.
He was trying to figure out a way to create our four-square areas.
We also read in our non-fiction books that symbols are used to show what things are and then explained in the key. Then, we used numbers to show the different areas where we play.
Without further ado, here is the finished map!
The students wanted to make sure no one touched the map for fear it would get ruined. So they decided to put up signs indicating that the map was not for touching, just for looking. I just love the student's confidence to use what they know about spelling and phonics, as well as tools around the room, to stretch out words as best as they can rather than waiting for an adult to spell it! They are developing independence and the progress they are making is just amazing and so fun to witness!
