Strategy 7-Developing Map Skills

I chose Strategy 7-Developing Map Skills in 25 Strategies for K-8 Inquiry-Based Learning: Integrating Language Arts and Social Studies by Melber and Hunter.  I enjoyed reading about this strategy because it is something that directly applies to me.  In VA there are two social studies objectives for maps in 2nd grade: 2.5 Map Skills (continents, oceans, etc.) and 2.6 Simple Map Skills (compass rose, title, etc.).  Melber and Hunter state, "Developing map skills in elementary students can help them as they explore and understand their own neighborhood and school" (p. 48). Students need to know the importance of map skills, both simple and complex.  I liked the idea of map walking and giving students the freedom to choose what they felt should be put on their map.  The K-2 grade level modification provides helpful ideas to use in teaching map skills.  Melber and Hunter suggest that students first begin by working with their families to create a map of their home. I plan to use this idea next year with my class.  I like the idea of starting out the creation of maps with something that is very common to them.  I plan to give them guidelines to use, such as make sure you give your map a title, include a compass rose, and provide a map key.  By creating maps, they will be learning social studies objectives while incorporating the arts (drawing) as well!