Paper Play

Exploring Different Maps

15-20 min

VocabularyVocab:

MAP, WORLD, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, STATE, COUNTRY, BORDER, LAND, OCEANS

A father and his child look together at a world map.

Explore maps of the United States of America and the world as you plan a pretend trip.

  • United States of America Map: Point out your state on the map and trace the borders around the state with your finger. Talk about what states you’d like to visit and locate them on the map. Use a crayon/marker to draw what route you’d take from your state to the one you’d like to visit.
     
  • World Map: Point out what parts of the map represent land and what parts represent oceans. Then point out the United States and where you live. If you have friends or family located in different countries around the world, point out where they live. Ask what country you should travel to together. Use a crayon/marker to mark the route you’d take. Keep in mind that the route will be different depending on whether you travel by boat or plane.

When you’re done, have your child color in the maps. On another day, use the maps to plan another trip.

Note: Learning left and right takes repetition and practice, usually over several years! Take your time and have fun together!