Mapping our feelings about the school and grounds Creating personal interactive maps of the school and grounds Using Local Studies software Y5 Methodist J & I November 2007

Red Riding Hood’s Walk Unfortunately we were unable to save the children’s work and this example of Red Riding Hood’s map was created by Wendy We learnt how to use the Local Studies software by mapping the story of Little Red Riding Hood. We thought that this would be a good story to share with younger children.

Creating maps using Local Studies Following this we used the software to create our personal maps of the school. We imported an outline map as a background. This gave a framework onto which we could add additional symbols, drawing and information. Find out more about Local Studies:

By the end of Week Three we had created these maps

... we went on to add interactive hotspots to the maps and included some information about how we feel about particular places in school. In Week Four

We began by placing our emoticon icons in the correct place on the map. Next we had to drag a hotspot icon onto the map. This is the button on the top bar with the number. You can see that three hotspots have been added so far.

Nathan and Joe worked together. They placed a `happy’ icon over the nursery playground. They then imported a photograph of the playground into the information box and one of them wrote this sentence.

“Obviously I feel excited here”. Some of the children’s statements were very revealing. As teachers we learnt a great deal about the way children feel about the space within the school grounds.

There are also some places that these boys enjoy that are peaceful and quiet.

Not all children produced the same style of map and it is interesting to see how different children represent land-use.

This example shows children failing to locate the correct place for the office. Either they have misunderstood the task or they need further support to help them understand the layout of the school. Formative Assessment Opportunity Office