Lost in longitude or confused by contour lines? Want to know all the tips and tricks for getting the most out of your atlas? Curious if paper towns still exist? "Ask a Cartographer" is your opportunity to get the facts straight from the source. Tom Vitacco, Rand McNally Publishing’s Director of GIS is here to answer your burning questions, and geek out over fascinating map lore – one exploration at a time.
This week in honor of Geography Awareness Week, we're discussing all the maps we have for kids...
Question: My 7-year-old daughter loves maps. What are some of your kids’ products so she can learn more about geography?
Tom’s answer: Now that is a great question and thank you for asking! This blog has covered a lot of topics related to maps, atlases and geographic concepts but we haven’t really talked about the products we create at Rand McNally Publishing that are geared towards kids. We make some awesome products for kids, and I will try to highlight a few of my favorites.
Geography Awareness Week
The timing of your question is perfect since we are gearing up for Geography Awareness Week, which celebrates the importance of geography and the impact it has on our lives. Finding products that can help your daughter learn more about geography is a wonderful idea and we do produce a few titles that would be a great place to start.
Pictured: Our The Kids’ Illustrated World Wall Map
When I was young, geographic topics and some limited map skills were taught in school, and I find it somewhat disheartening that geography isn’t taught in schools much anymore. I understand some of the reasons and how the focus is more on reading, math, and science, plus the fact that geography is not a required subject in most states. From what I recall, geographic themes were only briefly covered in social studies classes, so parents such as yourself trying to educate your kids about the topic on your own is very admirable. I am sure if you asked my daughters, they would be quick to tell you how often I tried to teach them about maps, geography, locational awareness, and navigation because I always felt these were excellent skills to learn when you are younger.
Maps and Atlases for Kids
I mentioned that Rand McNally Publishing offers many products for kids, and I would like to suggest a few that are fantastic introductions to maps and geography. The first product is the Kids’ Road Atlas, which is a perfect first atlas for the younger generation. It's aimed at kids ages 5 to 9. The atlas features very simple state maps along with puzzles and games geared toward kids. Interesting state facts such as the state birds, state flowers and the capitals are covered as well. This entry-level atlas is a perfect complement to the regular Road Atlas, which hopefully you are using as well, and can be a nice teaching tool when on the road.
Pictured: The Kids’ Road Atlas and sample pages.
One of my personal favorite maps that we make for kids is the Illustrated World Wall Map, a colorful teaching tool full of graphics related to different areas across the globe. This 50” x 32” map is ideal for a bedroom or playroom wall and the modern and bright colors fit most décor. The world map is simplified and age-appropriate, and the focus on animals and famous geographic landmarks makes the map a good teaching tool as well. I recently bought one of these for my grandson’s play area at my daughter’s house and although he is still too young to understand the map, I look forward to one day talking to him about the world and concepts highlighted on this excellent wall map.
Pictured: The Kids’ Illustrated World Wall Map
Another cool title is the Ultimate Backseat Book, a combination of three different books in one, including kid-friendly state maps similar to those found in the Kids’ Road Atlas, plus cities, national parks, and popular attractions from six regions within the United States. The book is full of geographically themed puzzles and games and is a terrific travel companion to entertain and teach your child while on the road or even at home. This book is aimed at kids ages 6 to 10.
Pictured: The Ultimate Backseat book and a sample page.
Last but not least, our Geography & Maps Activities book for ages 9 and older features action heroes in a workbook format that teach young geographers about maps, world geography and more. The books include many activities, pictures, and interesting facts, plus a glossary of map terms - a great teaching tool for exploring the world of maps and cartography.
Pictured: The Geography & Maps Activities Book with sample pages.
Rand McNally Education
As a company, Rand McNally Publishing has many award-winning educational products and we have a dedicated site focusing on all the different inspirational products and tools we offer, not just for teachers and the classroom. Please feel free to browse our site for additional titles in your quest to teach your child about the wonderful world of maps and geography.
Thanks again for the question and good luck with your goal of helping to teach your daughter more about maps and geography! I hope the product suggestions I presented above will be valuable for you or anyone interested in this topic! Feel free to submit your map or cartography questions below and check back next Tuesday for another installment of "Ask a Cartographer".
Have a question for our cartographer? Email us at printproducts@randmcnally.com with “Ask a Cartographer” in the subject line and your question could be featured next.