Oh those words, “Are we there yet?” In an effort to keep my little ones busy in the car, I’ve been creating some car trip games. I also love to sprinkle in literacy activities wherever I can too. This Are We There Yet Map fits the bill!
Are We There Yet Map
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Developing Literacy Skills
Playing with this map helps children to:
- recognize environmental print
- increase directional word vocabulary
- develop comprehension through sequencing events
Creating The Map
Materials: cookie sheet, paper (we used a wallpaper sample), markers, toy cars, magnetic tape (optional)
- Cut a sheet of paper to fit on the cookie sheet.
- Draw a map from your house to your desired destination. Add landmarks that your child will recognize.
- Lay the paper on the cookie sheet. We didn’t have any issues with the paper moving around, but you can attach small pieces of magnetic tape to the back to secure.
- Grab a few toy cars and you are ready to go!
Playing and Learning
The cookie sheet rests nicely on the car seat or in your child’s lap. As you drive, the child can drive their car the same route you are driving. Here are a few questions you can ask to help enhance the literacy learning.
- Which way do we need turn next?
- What stores will we see on our route?
- What letters do you see in that sign?
You might also enjoy reading Are We There Yet, Daddy? by Virginia Walters. It’s the story of a boy and his Dad as they journey to Grandma’s house. The son keeps asking, “Are we there yet?” Dad keeps referring him to his map as they countdown from 100 miles by 10’s.
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What a great idea!! We played a trip scavenger hunt (looking for the landmarks we see) on the way to visit my parents, but I love the map idea.
That’s a good one. I used to love maps as a road-tripping kid – having a hand-drawn one would be a nice twist.
Here from Fantastic Fun And Learning.
Jodie, these are brilliant! I love them and the things you labeled on the map! My boys are so good at picking out places they know and how much fun to map them along the way! Thanks so much for sharing on Makeovers & Motherhood’s Welcome Party Wednesday Link-Up! I am featuring you this week! Pinned too!
Thanks for linking up to the Tip Me Tuesday linky party! {knuckle bumps} Did you know that I can “lend” your blog posts my Google page rank for better search engine traffic? {fabulous} If you upload at least 2 images, 2 steps, and blog post URL into your Tip Junkie craft room, you’ll be in business! {wink} ~ Laurie {a.k.a. the Tip Junkie}
Will be using this on our next road trip! Pinned and stumbled!
On the Good Long Road blog I learned that some of her family is from S Dakota
This is a cute idea that would be fun for young kids. My son would have enjoyed this when he was little 🙂
Sheila
Thank you Sheila!