Description:
Discuss what a map and compass are and what they are used for. Go on a treasure hunt and use the map to find it's hidden location.
Links to EYFS:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding of the World
Expressive Arts and Design
Activity:
This week we talked about what a map is and what information could be gained from it. We also spoke about what a compass is and how it is used to help navigate. We looked at an ordinance survey map of the local area, found The Woodland Nursery on it and then looked for other places the children may be familiar with such as Greenwich Park, Blackheath and the River Thames.
We used a hand made map to help find items/treasure that had been previously hidden around the site. We encouraged the children to work as a team to find where X marks the spot of the hidden treasure. The children also took turns in hiding the treasure for the others to find. They used verbal commands to help them find the treasure i.e. take 10 steps back or follow a trail of stones or a rope.
The children then had the opportunity to make their own treasure maps and hide various items of 'treasure' around the site for the others to find.
Home Activity:
Make your own treasure maps with your child and hide some items for them to find using their new found map reading skills.