Teachers at a northeast school have found a unique and fun way to help students learn about the geography of Canada.
A gigantic map takes up a good part of the gymnasium floor at Annie Foote School and allows students to walk the country while learning about it.
The map is 11 metres by eight metres and details Canada’s provinces, territories, capitals and national parks.
The students love it and say it’s a great way to learn.
“I’m learning about many things in Canada,” said Even Benjamin. “The provinces and capitals.”
“I think this map is good for us for learning,” said another boy.
Map Town and Canadian Geographic sponsor the program.
“To watch kids interact with the map is just so exciting. To be introduced to new areas that they were not likely aware of before, that a small 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper just doesn’t cut it. Getting a map that takes up a full gymnasium, really gets kids thinking, boy, this is a big country and there’s a lot to explore,” said Terry Steinkey from Map Town.
Teachers say it is especially helpful for children who are new to Canada.
“Absolutely, so they just came, probably a year or two years ago, so they came to my classroom with barely any English,’ said one teacher “So this is about geography and social studies and they are learning about the world.”
The giant map will visit three schools in Calgary before it is sent out to more classrooms in other provinces.
