Mapping Our Environment
To develop understanding of place and simple mapping skills.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Understanding the World
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Makes simple maps with recognisable features
- Uses positional vocabulary accurately
- Understands that maps represent real places
- Identifies features on simple maps
Materials
- Simple maps of school and local area
- Mapping resources (paper, pencils, rulers)
- Aerial photos of familiar places
- Small world map area
Instructions
Begin with maps of the immediate environment. 'This is a map of our classroom. Can you find where we're sitting? Here's the door, here's the carpet...' Make connections between map and reality.
Walk around spaces while looking at the map. 'Let's walk from the door to the book corner. Now let's trace that route on the map.' Help children understand that maps represent real places from above.
Create simple maps together. 'Let's draw a map of our outdoor area. What's at this end? The climbing frame. Let's draw it here.' Model the bird's-eye view perspective.
Use positional vocabulary consistently: 'The sand pit is next to the shed. On the map, we draw it next to the shed.' Connect mathematical language to geographical understanding.
Look at aerial photos of familiar places—the school, local park, children's streets. 'Look! This is a photo from high up in the sky. Can you see the playground?'
Play treasure hunt games using simple maps. 'X marks the spot! Can you follow the map to find the treasure?' Make mapping purposeful and exciting.