CU 1.05Continent Puzzle Maps
The child works the puzzle map of each continent, starting with North America, and names some of the countries.
Presentation
- 1
Invite the child to bring the World Puzzle Map and the North America puzzle map.
- 2
Show North America on the world map, then say: 'Here is North America by itself so we can see the countries inside it.'
- 3
Take out the pieces one at a time with the knob, trace each edge, and lay them on the rug in roughly the same positions.
- 4
Name three pieces with clear differences: Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
- 5
Point to where we live: 'This is the United States. Utah is inside it.'
- 6
Replace the pieces, naming the three countries again.
- 7
Give a three-period lesson on the three country names.
- 8
Invite the child to repeat. On later days name the countries of Central America, the Caribbean, and Greenland, then introduce one new continent at a time.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Work each of the other continent puzzle maps
- Trace the puzzle pieces onto paper, color, and label a continent map
- Match country label cards to the puzzle, checking with the control map
- Find the home country of a classmate's family and show it on the continent map
Control of error
Each piece fits only in its own space; the labeled control map for each continent shows every country name.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Completes the North America puzzle independently
- Names Canada, the United States, and Mexico and points to where we live
- Works at least two other continent puzzles and names some countries