Fabulous First Graders: Home Maps

In October, we learned about maps for Social Studies. We are almost finished with our unit, but so far have learned a LOT! We began by looking at a globe and finding the North and South Poles and discussed the type of weather at the poles. We also found the equator and learned why the weather is always hot there compared to the poles. In addition, we learned about a compass rose, and the directions (north, sound, ease and west). We learned a funny saying to help us remember how the directions are placed on a map. In a clockwise direction, say, "Never Eat Soggy Waffles!" The words stand for North, East, South and West! The kids think it's funny, but it does help them remember!
We created a map of our classroom as a group. We discussed 'bird's eye view' and pretended to be a fly on the ceiling when drawing items on our large paper. We labeled items as we went. The kids then created maps of their bedrooms, or a bedroom they would like to have. Then, we created a map of the inside of our school, labeling the different classrooms and other important areas of our school. Finally, we created a map of the school and surrounding neighborhood. The kids really enjoyed creating these maps.
Using a map packet, we are learning about symbols on maps and how they are used in a map key in the corner of a map. In addition, we have learned how to start in one spot on the map, follow a road using a crayon, to another location. We discovered that one could take many routes on various roads to get to a destination. Next week we will learn about reading maps in more detail, and finding coordinates on them! We should be finished with the unit by the end of next week.
Last weekend, families were asked to create maps of their homes and features on their property. You did not disappoint! The maps turned out great, and today we had the opportunity to share them with classmates! It was great fun to walk around, listening to them explain their maps to their classmates. Thank you so much for your help on this project!
Here are some pictures of each group during the 'showing stage' and then showing their creations afterwards.