Mapping Our Steps Slide Deck
Map Makers
Finding Our Way
Our Goal Today
I can...
Create a simple route to a location!
I will know I'm done when...
I can draw a map and trace a path from one place to another.
What is a Map?
Table
Books
Carpet
A map is a drawing that shows where things are from above!
1
Look down!
2
Find the shapes!
3
Draw it out!
A Route
A route is the path you take to get somewhere!
START
ROUTE
FINISH
Let's Trace!
ROUTE
Start at the Carpet.
Draw a line to the Door.
You made a Route!
Map Makers: Go!
1
Draw 3 things in our room!
2
Mark your favorite spot!
3
Draw a route to get there!
10 MINUTES
Route Testing!
Stand up, grab your map, and follow your route!
Can you find your way?
Route Tester Activity Guide
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Route Tester Activity
25 MINS
Activity Overview
This activity transitions students from the abstract concept of a map to the physical reality of movement. Students will put their cartography skills to the test by physically walking the routes they have designed on their worksheets.
Vocabulary Focus
- Map
- Route
- Start/Finish
- Above
Instructional Arc
1. Launch & Modeling (10 Mins)
Use the "Mapping Our Steps" Slide Deck.
- Define Route as "the special path we take."
- Show the carpet-to-door example. Teacher Tip: Physically walk this route while holding a blank worksheet, drawing as you go.
2. Junior Cartographers (10 Mins)
Distribute "Classroom Map Worksheet".
- Students identify 3 "Landmarks" in the room (Desk, Cubbies, Reading Nook).
- Students draw their route from the carpet to their favorite center.
3. Physical Testing (5 Mins)
The "Route Walk."
- Students stand at the carpet with their map.
- On "Go!", they walk exactly as they drew their line.
- If they get "stuck" (a wall or table in the way), encourage them to "revise" their map.
Check for Understanding
Circulate during drawing: "I see your route goes past the teacher's desk. Can you show me where that desk is in the real room?"
Look for: Routes that are a single line vs. scribbles. Encourage one continuous line from A to B.
Support & Stretch
STRETCH (Above Grade Level)
"Can you draw a different route to the same place? Which one is faster?"
SUPPORT (Scaffolding)
Pre-place 3 large floor markers (e.g., colored dots) and have the student draw their line between those specific colors on the paper.