MAPS SKILLS FOR YOUR DISNEY VACATION
Planning a Disney vacation is an exciting time for homeschooling families. Not only can you enjoy the magical experiences, but you can also incorporate educational moments into your trip. One valuable skill to develop during your visit is map reading. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of map skills and provide three activities to enhance your map reading abilities before and during your trip to Walt Disney World. By honing these skills, your children will not only navigate the parks effectively but also strengthen their overall geography knowledge.
Map Reading Resources
Before setting foot in the parks, take advantage of various map reading resources available. A great introduction to map skills is the book “Legends & Leagues” by Ned Bustard. This engaging book explores maps, globes, and cartography, making it an ideal starting point for young learners. Additionally, you can find free printable mini units, worksheets, and unit studies online. These resources cover essential map reading skills such as latitude and longitude, castle floor plans, campground maps, and more. Incorporate these resources into your homeschool curriculum to provide hands-on practice before your Disney adventure.
Disney World Maps
Once you arrive at Walt Disney World, make sure to get your hands on official park maps. These maps are readily available at the front entrance, gift shops, and dining locations. Encourage your children to carry their own map throughout the trip and take an active role in navigating the parks. By doing so, they can practice important map-reading skills, such as identifying landmarks, understanding legends and symbols, and planning routes. Not only will this activity enhance their geography skills, but it will also instill a sense of responsibility and independence.
Request Specific Maps
To further enhance your map reading experience, consider requesting specific maps from Disney. Before your trip, contact your travel agent or reach out to Disney directly to request maps of the four theme parks, the water parks, and Disney Springs. By studying these maps beforehand, you can create interactive lessons and discussions centered around the parks’ layout, geographical features, and key points of interest. Engage your children in activities such as identifying different lands, locating attractions, and discussing the relationship between the parks and their surrounding areas. This immersive learning experience will deepen their understanding of geography while fostering excitement for their upcoming adventures.
Mastering map skills is a valuable asset for homeschooling families visiting Walt Disney World. By incorporating map reading into your pre-trip preparations and during your visit, your children will not only navigate the parks confidently but also develop a deeper understanding of geography. Utilize resources such as books, printable worksheets, and unit studies to provide a solid foundation for map reading. Encourage your children to carry their own park maps and actively participate in planning routes and identifying landmarks. Additionally, request specific maps from Disney to create interactive lessons and discussions centered around the parks’ layout and geographical features. With these activities, your homeschooling Disney vacation will become an enriching and educational experience that combines the magic of Disney with the practical skills of map reading. So, grab your maps, embark on this exciting adventure, and let your children become master navigators of the happiest place on earth!
