World Mapping Activity
Level 2 deepens inquiry and comparative thinking. 'World Mapping Activity' promotes appreciation of diversity and global citizenship.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Geography
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Explain cultural features
- Record findings
- Collaborate in group tasks
Instructions
Materials
- Large world map or inflatable globe
- Printed paper templates of a simple world map
- Blue and green crayons or washable markers
- Small animal stickers representing different continents
- Glue sticks
- Tray for organising materials
Learning Objectives
- Identify that the Earth is composed of land and water.
- Recognise the basic shape of continents on a flat map.
- Develop fine motor skills through colouring and sticker placement.
- Demonstrate spatial awareness by matching stickers to specific map areas.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and place the globe in the centre to introduce the concept of our world.
2. Point to the blue areas and explain that these represent oceans, then point to the green areas to explain that these represent land.
3. Distribute the printed map templates to each child at their workspace.
4. Model how to colour the water areas blue and the land areas green, using slow and deliberate strokes.
5. Provide each child with a set of animal stickers, such as a polar bear for the north or a kangaroo for Australia.
6. Guide the children to place their stickers onto the land masses on their maps.
7. Circulate the room to ask individual children to point to where they placed their animals.
8. Encourage children to describe their favourite animal and why they chose to put it in a specific spot.
9. Allow time for children to share their maps with a partner to build social communication skills.
10. Display the completed maps on a classroom wall to create a collective world display.
Educator Tip
If a child struggles with the concept of a flat map, use a marker to draw a simple line connecting the globe to the paper map to show how they represent the same thing. You can extend this activity for advanced learners by asking them to draw a line connecting their home country to the location of their chosen animal.
Assessment
- Observe if the child correctly distinguishes between land and water areas during the colouring process.
- Note the child's ability to follow verbal instructions regarding sticker placement.
- Listen for the child's verbal explanation of their map choices during the peer sharing segment.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe explanation quality, cooperation, accuracy.