Map Skills

When a map of the world showed Canada in pink, did you think it was literally a pink country? You may not now, but this is a common misconception when primary students see areas displayed this way.  

Maps are a part of our everyday lives. Maps are special pictures that give information. Maps can show us where things are. Maps can show us how to get somewhere. And maps can show us how far away a place is. But how do we first learn to read and interpret them?

Let's have students examine different representations of the Earth - satellite images, aerial images, world maps, climate maps, city maps, park maps, globes - and even, treasure maps!

Check out two of my resources that help build students' map literacy skills! Click on the image to view the resource in my store!

This resource investigates the Earth using mapping skills, geographical concepts, directions, and representations of the Earth. The presentation and activities focus on: 

•  Interpret various model representations of the Earth. 
•  Identify geographical concepts. 
•  Locate and identify the continents and oceans on a map or globe. 
•  Use rotation and revolution. 
•  Locate studied countries on a map or globe. 
•  Use compass directions to describe location. 

This resource builds map literacy skills. Students use various maps to locate and explore different countries. The presentation and activities focus on:

•  Identify geographical concepts.
•  Locate and identify the continents on a map or globe. 
•  Examine and analyze different types of maps. 
•  Describe the features of studied countries. 
•  Use compass directions to describe location.