3 Entertaining Activities to Teach Map-Reading Skills in Kindergarten

Learning how to read and create maps is a perfect subject for kindergarten. For most children, making and following maps is a whole new way to communicate and express themselves to others. From choosing subjects to map to learning how to create information indicators and the map legend that explains them 

1. Home and Garden Maps

Learning to understand maps by making them to display well-known features is a great way for Montessori kindergarten kids to practice map reading skills, create personal art, and work on critical thinking skills. Any space can be the model for a map, including the home, the classroom, local parks, or whatever interests the children. Once children have acquired basic map skills, they are ready to put a map into use. Maps can be of smaller spaces, as well, such as making a map of the family bookcase, dining cabinet, or similar.

2. Treasure Maps

Kindergarten kids can work in teams of 2 or more to choose an object, hide it in a specific location, and then create a map to help someone find it without guidance. Another idea is for the whole class to work on creating a mapping treasure hunt, with each child contributing one item and the map for it, and then exchanging maps to allow everyone to enjoy a fun treasure hunt experience. Learning how to identify landmarks is an important aspect of map-making, and the kids will have a great time hunting simple treasures.

3. Making Maps

Create a community-wide map by having children make individual segments that are put together to form a sort of mosaic map. make sure to have a detailed map of the area for children to refer to when drawing their own parts. Making “real” maps helps develop strong critical thinking skills, builds math awareness, and allows children to bolster their vocabularies by learning the points of the compass, left-right, and other related terms. This project encourages creativity in making the maps and then hones critical thinking and problem-solving skills when following the maps.

Even in the digital age, the ability to read and make maps is important. Your kids may be using apps to get around when they are older, but all of those apps are based on actual maps, and understanding how to use maps will make navigation easier. Every culture uses maps, and they are critical for understanding geography and history. For things like exploring the origins of foods or customs, maps provide context for understanding climate, conditions, and terrain.