-bag filled with plastic gold coins -white paper -crayons -pirate hats (optional)
Modifiers/Scaffold
For an easier challenge: -Make an outline of the classroom and have the child color in the map.
For most children: -Ask the children, "What are the different objects you are drawing on your page?"
For a trickier challenge: -Encourage the children to try drawing their picture using a birds-eye view.
Follow-up Ideas
-You could also make a map of the classroom, hide coins in the classroom, and have the children then use your map to hunt the coins down until they find them all. It will not only teach them more about geography, but it will build a sense of community.
-You could also do this activity in the gym or on the playground.
Originating Idea
In my Pre-K summer class, one of my students found a random piece of paper on the playground. She and her best friend pretended it was a treasure map, and they ended up going to the sandbox and hiding toys that they found on their treasure map. Then they would keep bringing me over to the sandbox to show me where they hid their treasure. I loved playing with them, and I wanted to create an activity that extended their play.
How to Make It
You place the bag of gold coins on the teacher's easel. Then keep the paper and crayons on a nearby counter.
How to Implement It
During circle time, tell the children, "Today we're going to pretend that we're pirates! Everyone is going to get a gold coin, and you're going to hide it in the classroom! Then, you're going to make a map of where your gold coin is so that you don't lose it! Everyone come up and get your gold coins!" The students will then line in front of you, grab a coin (and, if you have them, a pirate hat), and then hide their coin in the room.
Most children will be able to find a spot to hide their coin. Earlier children may hide their coins at the same spot another child has hidden theirs, while later children will seek out unique spots that no one has thought of yet. Then, when they sit down and draw their maps, most children will make a basic drawing depicting particular objects in their classroom (such as the kitchenette or sinks). Later children may even draw their pictures with greater detail and with recognizable objects, while earlier children will scribble and make simple shapes.
Once the children finish their drawings, send the children to get their gold coins, and then place their maps and coin in their cubbie. After that, they can go into the classroom and enjoy free choice while the teacher's prepare for morning snack. The teachers should also make sure that every student finds and keeps the coin they hid in the classroom.