Kindergarten+Geography

Key Vocabulary Essential Question(s) Enduring Understandings Unit Objectives Beginning the Unit As the Unit Continues Toward the End of the Unit ||
 * Suggested Materials

Suggested timeframe: January/February
 * Geography**


 * __ Essential Questions: __**
 * What is the purpose of a map?
 * What can a map tell us?
 * How can I read a map?


 * __ Enduring Understandings: __**
 * Students will understand that maps are a representation of a particular place.
 * Students will understand that maps provide information to help us navigate through a particular place.


 * __ Unit Objectives: __**
 * Students will observe and identify physical aspects of a map.
 * Students will use a legend to identify specific information on a map.
 * Students will navigate using a variety of physical and digital maps.
 * Students will be able to use the characteristics of a map to identify what it represents.

( * denotes the materials already ordered.)
 * __Suggested Materials__**
 * *floor puzzles (USA and World)
 * *map big books: __Can You Read a Map?__, __Map It__!
 * school floor plans
 * town and state maps
 * maps of theme parks
 * *Laminated maps (USA and World)
 * *U.S. Map molding kit
 * *Guided Reading Kits: __Our Town__, __The World Around Us__, __On Our Street__, __Places__
 * *Teacher Guide: Neighborhood and Communities (maps for the overhead), Grade 1 Map Skills book

Despite the fact that we will be using maps throughout the year, we can teach the specific map skills during January and February.
 * __Beginning the Unit__**

There are many different ways in which we can launch this unit. A couple examples are:
 * __Launching a unit__**
 * put different types of maps at tables and have the students explore the maps and discuss what they notice
 * put a map without the words on the smartboard to see if the students can read it and figure out where/what it is
 * pose a question to the class - "How could we help a new student/teacher figure their way around the building?"


 * __Mini-lesson ideas/suggestions__**
 * read and use simple playground, classroom, or school maps to locate objects (like a scavenger hunt)
 * create a simple playground or classroom map with a key to show objects
 * read books that have maps (like pirate books)
 * teach how to read a map's legend

Students will create a map with a key (i.e. a map of their classroom, playground, kindergarten hallway, etc.) and will explain their map.
 * __Assessment__**

Ox Ridge Kindergarten