Today is rung 5 of 7 on this topic
First maps and position words
Can do: Draws a simple map of a familiar room and uses above, below, behind, next to, between.
Why it matters
A map is a symbol standing for a real place, and that leap — this squiggle means our sofa — is the same leap that letters and numbers require.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Draws a picture of the room from the side rather than from above, and uses "there" plus a point instead of a position word.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"Where's the lamp?" — insisting on words, with your eyes shut so pointing can't work.
Solid looks like: "Next to the sofa, behind the chair" — two position words that actually locate it.
The full activity for this topic · 10 minutes
Treasure Map of Your Room
- 1Stand on a chair and look down at the room together. "This is what a map sees."
- 2Draw the big things as boxes from above: bed, door, window.
- 3Hide something and mark the X on their map.
- 4Swap: you hide, they draw the map, and someone else has to find it from the map alone.
- 5Use position words all the way through — under, between, in the corner.
If it's too hard
Map one tabletop instead of a whole room.
If it's too easy
Add a key with symbols, and a compass arrow for the front door.
Say this
"A map looks down from the ceiling. If a bird flew in, what would it see?"