US History: Me on the Map Project

I am teaching United States History this year which I am super excited about. I have been searching everywhere for materials and have been really busy creating/finding materials!

I started out the year with a "Me on the Map" project. I downloaded the circles from here and we did one circle a day. We talked about how our planet is earth, our contintent is North America, our country is the USA, all the way down to each student's address!
 Me on the Map project Me on the Map Circles Me on the Map - my country 
I really enjoyed this activity because 1) it is a great visual representation of the different "levels" of where we live and 2) the process is very similar so toward the end, my students were getting pretty independent in knowing to cut out the circle and paste the items on - and independence is huge!

I used many short YouTube videos when talking about each place that we live - just search the name and you'll find something on the first page! When we got to our cities and streets I used Google Maps - and the students got SO excited as they recognized places such as our school, the community pool, etc. This is also cool because you can zoom in and out to really show the difference between state and street, for example.
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6 comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 18, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    I love the new blog, Brie! It looks great! Love the colors...and of course, the name ;)

    Your "Me on the Map" project is awesome. I am teaching a unit on travel/transportation next month, and this would be a fun extension. I think we are going to have to do it! Thanks for sharing!

    Kara
    Spedventures

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    Replies
    1. Breezy BrieOctober 19, 2012 at 9:54 AM

      Thanks so much Kara! :) It's a really great project so I'm sure it will go well with your class. That's why I love blogging so much - I love finding and sharing awesome ideas like this (and I've found many sweet ideas from your blog as well)!! :)

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  2. One Room SchoolhouseOctober 19, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    This is a great activity. My kids have such a hard time understanding how they can live in so many places!

    LifeInSpecialEducation

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  3. Amy LouiseOctober 20, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    Hi Brie,
    I found your blog because of Kara's Boo Shout out and I'm your newest follower! I'm a teacher in a categorical classroom for elementary kids with autism and I look forward to reading!
    Amy
    The Puzzling World of Autism

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  4. HaileyOctober 20, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    This is a great activity! I may need to do this as well with my students. Hailey (your newest follower) at http://autismtank.blogspot.com

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  5. greenteahimandspecialed.blogspot.comOctober 20, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    I am always happy to find other special education teachers out there to follow! I have been looking for a social studies idea so thank you for the great idea. Heather SPED grades 5-12

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