Montessori puzzle maps present geography through removable pieces. A child can begin with a world map, then look more closely at continents and countries. The maps show land and water as distinct areas.
From the world to a continent
After working with the world map, the child may explore a map of Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, North America, or Africa. A continent map offers a closer view of the countries within it. The guide can introduce place names while the child works with the pieces.
Taking the map apart and rebuilding it
Pegs provide a way to lift the pieces out and return them to their places. A piece that does not fit its opening prompts another look at its position.
Rebuilding the map also gives the child a way to compare where places sit in relation to one another. Moving between world and continent maps changes the scale of that comparison. The activity stays focused on the map and the places it represents.
