Mapping allows you to give a preview of the upcoming travel area to your child to help them better understand the environment by giving them a “preview of the environment”.
Maps can be made of simple materials. Those with some vision may be able to use plain paper or dry erase boards and colored markers, or boards with magnets. Those with less vision can use boards to be used with Velcro tactile pieces that can be easily changed when needed. These can be made with inexpensive doormats and dry erase boards or plastic file folders from the dollar stores. The tactile markers can be made of household items that can represent certain landmarks. When creating your maps, keep in mind to keep it simple and use symbols that represent landmarks (which are objects that your child will detect that are constant and unique to the area) or with clues (which are objects, sights, smells, sounds.. that may come and go such as keyboard sounds, flag pole chains, kitchen sounds, air conditioning units, a rug, or smells from popcorn, the laundry area, the bathroom, or the kitchen).
You can start by simply having a material where your child can practice identifying sides – top, bottom, left and right, and positional concepts – near, between and compass directions.
Making a simple map of your home would also be great – identifying a hallway and a few rooms. Also labeling the direction your home is facing – North, East, South or West.
When your child wants to visit a friend down the street, you can make a simple map with the sidewalk and then the number of driveways they will find until they reach their friends home. Previewing the map before walking over will help your child begin to understand more about your neighborhood and how long it takes to travel to different places.
Another great application would be to do the layout of a park before you go – labeling the sidewalk, the slide, swings, your picnic table, the bathroom and so on. Once on a specific route or location, have your child find landmarks or clues that they sense that you can add to the map – help them take part in creating their maps.
Grocery stores are also good locations to use maps and to help your child locate items on your list. Remember many grocery stores are laid out with the produce, dairy, meat, and cooler units on the outside edges with the canned and boxed goods in the middle. Registers, bathrooms, and the service desk are usually located in the front of the store.
Taking the time to show your child where you are and where you are going, will give them the opportunity to be involved in your families travels rather than just following along.
Have fun exploring the world with your child!