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How to Use Maps in an Art Lesson

Maps are one of the oldest forms of human communication. Around the world, early and modern cultures have used maps to provide instruction, share a view of the world or simply for artistic pleasure. Many maps are literal representations of the world: they attempt to put physical geography on paper. Guide students through creating their own artistic and emotional maps of the places which are important in their lives. These maps might not be able to guide an explorer, but they will allow each student to map and highlight places in their own lives.

Things You'll Need

  • Blank paper, one sheet per student
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Drawing implements (crayons or markers)
  • Maps which can be cut up (photocopies or originals)
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Instructions

  1. The Life Map

    • 1

      Start students with a blank sheet of paper and a pile of maps and drawing utensils on their table.

    • 2

      Instruct each student to create a list of between five and 10 important events in their life. Some possible examples include specific important birthdays, moving, a first day at school, a fight with a friend and so on.

    • 3

      Using the drawing utensils, each student should draw the events they listed, connecting them in chronological order. These drawings can be literal or figurative. For example, a departure could be signified by two people hugging to say goodbye, or by a swath of red to symbolize sadness.

    • 4

      Students should name the locations on their map based on the event and their emotion around the event. Some example location names include The Summer of Goodbyes, A New Beginning and The Best Birthday.

    • 5

      When students have completed their Life Maps, they should use the scrap maps on their table to make a map border. The border can either be made from one contiguous strip of map or from many different pieces from different maps.

    • 6

      Display the students' maps around the room and allow each student time to walk through the newly made art gallery of Life Maps.

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