Teaching Map Skills

Maps are very distorted so here is a great project to help teach your child how hard it is to flatten a spherical shape without distortion.

• First, blow up a balloon and tie it closed.
  
• Second, draw the outlines of the continents on the balloon with a permanent marker.
  
• Third, untie the balloon and deflate it.
  
• Next, cut off the top and bottom of the balloon and then cut through the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
  
• Last, stretch out the balloon and pin the corners to a cork board or foam board. Discuss how the map looks different when it is flat.

Another way to teach your child locations is to put maps under a clear plastic table cloth on your kitchen table or use pre-made placemats with maps. You will be surprised to learn how much children will learn from consistent exposure.

My children especially enjoy learning about states and countries by using puzzles. I even make it a game by timing them to see who can complete the puzzle the fastest.

For more geography ideas, refer to Homeschooling with TLC in the Elementary Grades and Tutoring Your Elementary Child with TLC.

Have FUN learning about the world together!