Outdoor Activities
Magic Map
This activity is perfect for long trips in a car or train with your toddler. It takes a bit of preparation but it's worth it! The idea of the activity is to teach your child about maps and to stave off the inevitable 'are we there yet'? question for as long as possible!
Step 1.
Using a road map, sit down with your child and have a look at the route that your journey will take. Next, take an A4 sheet of plain paper and write down the names of your start and end points, leaving enough room in between to draw a map. Follow the orientation of the map for the start and end points when writing on the paper.
Step 2.
Draw in the main route that you will take, writing down the name of the main roads that you will be using. Now show your child the various symbols on the map and show them the key that tells you what they are.
Ask your child to help you choose points of interest and make sure that they are spread along the route. Choose things that will be obvious, such as:
- A zoo or theme park
- A town or village
- A church
- A river
Step 3.
Once you've chosen the different points, number them and then mark them on the map with coloured crayons or with pictures cut out of magazines.
Step 4.
Make a copy of the map for yourself. Now, put together little parcels containing surprises. Make sure you know what is in each parcel! Choose things that will keep your child interested on the journey for example, a colouring in picture and crayons, a snack or drink, a book or toy. Make enough parcels to match the number of points that you've marked on the map.
Step 5.
On your journey explain to your child that you need their help to map read. Every time they spot a point on their map they must shout out what it is and they will get a surprise from you.
Learning
- This game will help your child to:
- Understand distances
- Learn about maps
- Learn about new places
