How To Create A Children’s World Map

Learning geography concepts in a fun way is possible with this creative craft.

Crafts and geography are able to connect through creative and educational activity at the same time. Therefore, below, we present two simple models to create a children’s world map.

The idea is to have a very large and colorful map in view, which can be used by parents or teachers to teach children concepts related to geography, history, culture, travel and many other topics.

Create a children’s EVA world map

To carry out this model, the following elements will be necessary:

• 1 large rectangular EVA rubber sheet (70 x 90) in blue or light blue.
• 5 EVA rubber sheets in 5 different colors.
• 1 sheet of thick cardboard the same size as the blue EVA.
• Pair of scissors.
• Glue.
• Thumbtacks or tacks.
• Colored markers.

• Computer, printer and internet.
  

Step by Step

1. Search the internet for maps of the different continents (that are on the same scale) and print them on different sheets.
2. Have a picture of a planisphere handy.
3. Glue the complete blue EVA sheet to the thick cardboard.
4. Choose a different color for each continent.
5. Cut out the maps printed on the sheets in the shape of the continents and transfer the shape to the EVA with a highlighter. For example: Africa – green, America – orange, Europe – yellow, Asia – red, Oceania – brown, Antarctica – white.
6. Cut out the continents on the EVA rubber.
7. Look at the model of the world map and arrange the colored pieces correctly on the blue EVA rubber, which will be the water of the oceans.
8. Once assembled, glue the colored pieces onto the large blue plate.

Create a relief world map for children

To make this craft, the following materials are necessary:

• 1 thick rectangular cork sheet (for example, 60 × 80).
• 3 sheets of cork of 0.04 millimeters, which can be cut easily.
• 1 sheet of thick cardboard or light wood.
• Water-based paint for cork.
• Studs.
• Markers.
• Scissors and glue.
• Computer, printer and internet.

Step by Step

1. Glue the large cork sheet onto sturdy cardboard or wood.
2. Paint it blue.
3. Search the internet for maps of the continents (that are on the same scale) and print them on different sheets.
4. Using a marker, transfer the shapes of the continents from the paper onto the thin cork sheets.
5. Paint each one a color.
6. Once all the pieces are dry, glue them on the blue painted plate, distributed correctly.

What can you do with the children’s world map models?

You already have your children’s world map ready! You only need to decide with what information you are going to complete it. If the children are already writing, they can fill in the names of the oceans and continents with colored markers. The map can also be used to pin different types of information, according to the age of the little ones or the chosen topic.

The most beautiful thing about creating a children’s world map is that children can put everything together, draw, color and glue pieces so that the map is full of information. You can add value to the project and build elements with recycled material, for example, the cardboard of cereal boxes to draw and paint things like:

• Figures of animals and plants.
• Typical food dishes.

• Posters with names of cities, rivers, mountains, etc.
• Flags of countries.

You can also download and print photos of landscapes and paste them on the cards and then click them on the map.

Do It Yourself (‘do it yourself’) + geography: benefits for children

Creating a children’s world map is a fun and educational task. Simultaneously, the children will be making a creative craft and learning a social science. Without a doubt, it is a comprehensive didactic activity, whose main benefits are the following:

• Maps are an immense source of knowledge, the use of which can be adapted to all ages. By constructing their maps, the little ones learn geographical concepts such as location, location, the distribution of natural elements (rivers, mountains, seas, lakes, etc.) and can even understand about the cultural differences between countries.

• Planispheres can be used as cross-cutting content in various subjects (math, literature, music, art, languages, history).
• Crafts are creative activities that promote the development of fine motor skills.
• By creating a children’s world map, they are learning to apply method, to be orderly, and to focus.
• These types of activities, whether in the family or in the classroom, promote sociability and teach children a new way of sharing fun and relaxing moments.

A planisphere hanging on the wall of the classroom or the room invites the children to want to learn more about the incredible places of our wonderful planet. What are you waiting for to create one with your little ones?