I am requesting a grant to purchase these Geography materials that will supplement the first grade social studies curriculum.
The goal of this initiative is to transition the First Grade Social Studies curriculum from abstract instruction to a kinesthetic, inquiry-based model. By integrating a these tactile maps, we aim to provide students with a concrete foundation in geography that aligns with both developmental needs and social studies standards.
Having implemented this specific curriculum in San Diego, I have seen firsthand the "magic moment" it creates. It transforms quiet seatwork into active learning. When a child labels a map they have carefully traced and colored, they aren’t just learning geography—they are developing:
Success will be physically documented through a "Geography Portfolio." As students use the map cabinet, they will produce:
This item will be stored inside of my classroom, located near our social studies shelf.
First graders learn best when they see the "Big Picture" first.
The Reveal: Introduce the World Map puzzle first. Identify the seven continents by color (e.g., North America is orange, Africa is green).
I would then introduce the North America map, followed by the map of the USA. Once that is completed, other continents will be introduced throughout the year as it relates to our curriculum, holidays, etc. (ex: Asia during Chinese New Year, Antarctica during our penguin unit.)
These materials will be available for other grade levels to borrow and share as it aligns with their curriculum and subject matter.
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Thank you so much for your consideration!