As part of this term’s tourism topic we are looking at maps and directions. P1/2/3 pupils enjoyed exploring maps including street maps of Dumfries, Ordinance Survey maps and maps of Scotland and The United Kingdom. Pupils also created their own village, and then town, using parcel tape and toys from around the room. They were able to explain what buildings a town might have that a village doesn’t and also say why that might be. For example they put hotels in the town as they said more people visit towns. The roads were used for simple direction work such as forward, left and right and finally a compass was added so that P3 could work on using north, south, east and west for locating things. Pupils also used a “Treasure Chest” grid to give and follow directions as well as taking Beebot around a map. (Beebot is a simple programmable toy.)

Looking at Lockerbie on Google Maps allowed pupils to identify how land was used for example for houses and businesses, for transport (roads, railways and car parks) and for leisure activities (eg gardens and parks.)

Pupils have thoroughly enjoyed it all, but finding things they know on Google Maps has delighted them, as has the fact that you can look at other countries. So if there is time at home to do more of this it would be very valuable. You could Google your own house, a place you have visited or just somewhere that interests your child.

Exploring Ordinance Survey Maps

Village Roads

Busy Farm

Bustling Town

Hotel

Rooftop Sunbathing

Treasure Chest Game