Google maps for teachers and students

This week we were asked to create a google map to use with our students. In kindergarten, one of our big focuses for the school year is on community. We study the parts of a community and discuss community helpers. We also take field trips to explore important places and the people that work there.

This is a map that ties with the idea of community. I would use this map in coordination with our field trips, to discuss the different places we are going to (and did) visit.

View Our Community in a larger map

In my classroom, I would update the locations with photos and videos taken during our field trip so that students could recall what we saw and who we met during our visit. 

We were also asked to develop an idea for students to use google maps independently. I really like the idea of using a google map over breaks to show where families went during their vacation time. Parents could log into a classroom map with their kindergartner and create a pin of where they were during break. They could also add photos and videos of their time together. After break, we could use our maps to share what kindergartners did with their families and where they traveled to. This would be a great activity used to encourage kids to share their experiences, but also a meaningful way to discuss different cities and states. My kindergartners cannot work google maps alone, but with parent support they would be able to successfully use the program in a relevant and meaningful way.