Good Ole Mapping Fun

Have you ever wondered what you can do with those old maps? I think every household has at least 2 or 3 lying around in a drawer somewhere. When you get around to it, you'll probably throw out those old maps. Why not make use of those old maps instead of adding to the landfill? Here's a great map activity that your preschooler will love.

What You Will Need

Old map
Multi-colored markers
Contact paper (optional)
Small cars, vans, trucks or trains

How To Do It

Unfold the old map on a hard, flat surface. Using the multi-colored markers, trace roads to and from cities or special places on the map. It is especially fun if you can trace roads to firends and family members' houses, preschool, playgroups or other fun places you and your preschooler like to visit. If you'd like to preserve the map, you can seal it with contact paper. Then, using the cars, vans, trucks or trains, let your preschooler drive to and from thei special places!

How to Liven It Up

Draw houses, schoolhouses, or buildings at the "destinations". Or use stickers, old photos or magazine cut outs to paste at the destinations on the map.

Alternative Preschool Activity Version

Place stickers, old photos or magazine cutouts at destinations, but do not trace the path to and from them. Instead, let your preschooler follow the roads on the map to figure out how to get to each destination. Give each destination a name and ask your preschooler how to get to each place.

Other Preschool Activity Ideas

Before leaving for one of the destinations you've marked on your map, show your preschooler how you will get there. If you haven't sealed it with contact paper, fold it up and take it with you. Let your preschooler follow along on the map!

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I'm Stacey Lloyd, the Executive Editor and one of many writers for PreschoolRock.com. I enjoy writing about preschoolers, and reading your ideas and experiences with your preschooler. If you have any suggestions, ideas or questions about this site, please contact me.

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