Social Studies Lesson Plans

Floor Maps

"Our second grade curriculum includes a unit on Africa. I used a projector to trace the outline of Africa and the countries onto a white bed sheet. I used fabric paint to paint each country, then cut the map out. Each year I place the map on the floor on a blue bed sheet to represent the oceans. I cover the map with heavy plastic, so the children can walk on it as we work. During our study of various countries in Africa we place labels for directions on the map as well as country names, paper and plastic animals, pictures of natural resources, and yarn for the Equator, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn on the continent.This activity really keeps the children focused and excited each day. I am working on a map of Australia now, and I would love to do the entire world someday!"
Submitted by: Sharon Morgan a second grade teacher at South Penn Elementary School in Cumberland, Maryland. This tip was published in the NEA's Weekly "Works4Me" Email list.