My Neighborhood Play Mat

crayola supplies

Crayons
Erasable Colored Pencils

household supplies

recycled newspaper
posterboard
masking tape

Why

Children's pretend play often reflects the real world. While they make a map of your neighborhood or their route to school, encourage language, math, and memory skills by asking thinking questions.

Steps

1. Use at least one piece of posterboard. If you use two or more, lay the pieces side-by-side, making sure the sides touch each other. Tape the pieces together with short strips of wide masking tape. Then cover the seam with a long strip of tape from top to bottom. You may want to tape the seam on both sides for a more durable map.
2. Cover a large work surface, such as the floor, with newspaper. Put the poster board onto the newspaper.
3. Now think about, plan ahead, and draw your neighborhood. Ask an adult for permission to take walks in the area to help remember details. Use Crayola® Crayons to add bright colors and cover large coloring areas. Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils work well to outline roads and buildings, label signs, and do detail work.

When & Where

"This was an easy thing to make while on vacation. The familiar places on the map made our son less homesick."
- Shu Chin E., mom of 6-year-old.

"The children I care for had a lot of fun recreating their neighborhood. "
- Sherri G., family child care provider.

Interesting Info

Children draw on their own senses and memories for creative inspiration. Encourage vivid expressions by talking with kids about what they know and think before, during, and after an event.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Outdoor Crafts—Choose safe outdoor areas, away from traffic and dangerous equipment. Close adult supervision is required.