(VA Geography 2.5, 2.6)
– 2.5 The student will develop map skills by: a) locating the equator, the seven continents, and the five oceans on maps and globes; b) locating selected rivers (James River, Mississppi River, Rio Grande, Huang He, and the Nile River, mountain ranges (Appalachian Mountains and Rocky Mountains), and lakes (Greak Lakes) in the United States and other countries
– 2.6 Students will develop map skills by constructing simple maps using title, map legend, and compass rose. Students will also learn the importance of having these map skills and how the skills can be used every day.
Text Annotations:
1. Maps and Globes by Jack Knowlton, Illustrated by Harriet Barton:
– “Maps and Globes” is a beginners book that introduces younger students to different maps. The book stresses the importance of maps as well as where various countries, deserts, oceans, and moutains are on a map. This is book is great starting point for teachers and parents to use when it comes time to inform your student or child about basic map skills.
2. Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney, Illustrated by Annette Cable:
“Me on the Map” is another great introduction into map skills. The book begins with a young girl creating a map of her room, house, street etc as a way to introduce that same idea just within states, countries, and the world. Joan Sweeney does a great job comparing different things that young children can identify with, to the bigger picture aspect of understanding maps.
3. Where Do I Live? by Neil Chesanow: http://www.amazon.com/Where-Do-Live-Neil-Chesanow/dp/0812092414/ref=pd_sim_b_2
This book uses colorful illustrations and easy words to explain to children where they live. The author starts with a child’s room, their home, neighborhood, town, state, and country; then the author moves out to Earth, the solar system, and the Milky Way. Then, the child is drawn back to a page of questions about the reaser’s own street, town, state etc. Another great book that provides a different approach to the use of maps and globes.
4. Follow That Map! by Scot Ritchie: http://www.amazon.com/Follow-That-Map-Mapping-Skills/dp/1554532744/ref=pd_sim_b_3
This book tells a story about Sally and her friends playing in her backyard when they notice that both her dog and cat are missing. Sally and her friends are determined to find them so they set off on a journey through their neighborhood, park, zoo and eventually through the country and around the world. A unique aspect of this book compared to others is that any map-related information appears in bold type to notify students of it’s importance.
5. There's a Map on My Lap by Tish Rabe, Illustrated by Aristides Ruiz: http://www.amazon.com/Theres-Map-My-Lap-Learning/dp/0375810994/ref=pd_sim_b_6
A Cat in the Hat book informing students about map skills. This book is a great way to keep the attention of students because of the way the information is presented. The book introduces readers to different kinds of cities and states as well as topography, temperature, and terrain. Also things such as symbols, scales, and compasses are addressed.
Web Annotations:
1. http://www.theteacherscorner.net/lesson-plans/socialstudies/
2. http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_2nd_social.htm
3. http://www.cloudnet.com/~edrbsass/edgeography.htm
4. http://www.newton.k12.ks.us/tech/second_grade_internet_links1.htm
5. http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/learn.jsp
Assorted Resources