4 Benefits of Map Drawing in Your Homeschool

When I first delved into homeschooling, I must admit that map drawing was not on my radar. As a grown adult, I found myself unable to recognize the shapes and distances between countries, which in turn affected my worldview and perspective on current events.

However, during my homeschooling journey, I stumbled upon the profound insights of educators like Charlotte Mason and the classical education philosophy. They emphasized the significance of map drawing in developing close observation skills and personal connections, ultimately leading to a better understanding of history, geography, and current events.

Realizing the importance of map drawing, I set out to make it a practical and enriching experience in our homeschooling curriculum.

Starting as early as age 4, we began interacting with maps. Our journey began with activities such as tracing large placemat maps, connecting map puzzles, and even constructing maps using bath toys.

As our children grew and became adept at handling writing utensils, we introduced them to the art of tracing. While they traced, I would read them a picture book related to the region they were exploring. These “living books” allowed them to catch a glimpse of the people, landscapes, clothing, and foods, while gaining at least one person’s unique perspective from that part of the world.

Some valuable resources to find these books are 

1. Give Your Child the World by Jamie Martin
2. Diverse Book Finder website for finding diverse perspective books
3. Orchard Reads website with a list of books featuring each US State

Once our children became proficient in tracing, we took the next step – drawing. We relied on the “Draw the World” series, which provides step-by-step guidance for drawing maps, making the process both fun and educational.

Beyond the academic advantages of map tracing and drawing, there are numerous underlying skills that this activity helps develop:

Motor Skills:

Initially, we focus on gross motor skills, encouraging our children to lay on their bellies to work on puzzles, which strengthens their core.

We also incorporate blob tracing on a vertical surface to improve shoulder stability.

As they grow, the process of tracing enhances fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination, without the added burden of working memory required for letter formation.

For further insights into the underlying skills related to handwriting, consider exploring webinars or joining focus groups that address these aspects.

Cognitive Skills:

Map drawing fosters focused attention on the task at hand.

It also encourages the ability to shift attention between listening and tracing simultaneously.

Furthermore, it promotes task initiation and persistence, essential qualities for successful learning.

Social Skills:

Engaging with maps and related books nurtures empathy and understanding of different cultures.

It encourages active listening and turn-taking, important skills for effective communication and collaboration.

Incorporating map drawing into your homeschooling journey is not just about geographical knowledge…

It’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals with enhanced motor, cognitive, and social skills. It’s a journey of exploration, understanding, and a broader perspective on the world. So, take out those maps, grab some drawing tools, and embark on a voyage of learning and discovery with your children. It’s an adventure that will shape their worldview and enrich their lives in countless ways.

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