How to Make a Pirate Mapping Game

Each year, during my "pirate" thematic unit I have my kids do pirate mapping exercises. This serves several purposes: It teaches the kids how to read a map and the four directions. It teaches them how to follow the directions on a map, which helps them with our end-of-year treasure hunt. It also teaches them how to stay together and work as a team. Here is how to make a pirate mapping game.

Instructions

1. 

   Create a mapping exercise that is a grid with the directions at the bottom. The kids have to start in the center of the grid and follow the directions. I recommend that they write the numbers for each step inside the box and then color over them.

2. 

   Your students will quickly learn their directions and how to follow them quickly.

3. 

   Have them follow the directions in a snakelike pattern. Make sure they do not start in the center the second or third time; they should start from where the last direction left off.

4. 

   Take away the written directions the next time they do the sheet, and instead have the kids make the directions. Just make darn sure they stay on the page!

Resources

• Rock and Roll Kindergarten