CU 1.06Continent Puzzle Maps

1. 1

   Invite the child to bring the World Puzzle Map and the North America puzzle map.

2. 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. 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. 4

   Name three pieces with clear differences: Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

5. 5

   Point to where we live: 'This is the United States. Utah is inside it.'

6. 6

   Replace the pieces, naming the three countries again.

7. 7

   Give a three-period lesson on the three country names.

8. 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.

What catches the child’s eye

• Very small countries, such as those in Central America, next to very large ones like Canada
• Each country piece dropping back into its own space

Extensions, easiest to hardest

1. Work each of the other continent puzzle maps
2. Trace the puzzle pieces onto paper, color, and label a continent map
3. Match country label cards to the puzzle, checking with the control map
4. Find the home country of a classmate's family and show it on the continent map