Pirate map literacy fun

Literacy and maps

We’ve been using our easel to try out lots of literacy ideas recently and our latest one was to try out a pirate map.

Our easel is set up in the kitchen where the children can’t help but notice it and has lots of fun pens and pencils with it for them to use. Every week or so I’ve been setting up an invitation to write on it – something I think might act as springboard into some writing or conversation or storytelling.

This week I drew the basic outline of a pirate map, just enough detail for the children to get a clue about where we might be heading, but with plenty of scope for them to make it their own. And look what happened…

We have characters, we have a journey, we have danger and adventure.

:: The easel is in the kitchen were we spend a lot of time together – so it’s ready whenever the children have an idea to add

:: There’s nearly always someone else in the room to chat with about what you’re drawing, so lots of chatter and discussion takes place

:: A map is all about going somewhere or finding something, so it’s a natural invitation to add people and places and adventures, creating a natural story telling. (I love that the two characters are holding hands)

:: A map also very easily becomes something to play with – tear it off the easel and now you’re the pirate, off to role-play a treasure hunt or sail away in your sofa boat.

For more ideas using an easel try:

Maps and literacy

What can you make with these circles

Use the force: Star Wars and literacy

Take literacy outside

For more pirate fun try:

Let’s play pirates

Junk model galleons

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