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Using A Texas Zip Code Map in the Classroom

by: ClaraRyken
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When it comes to the educational system today, it sometimes seems as though the subject of Geography is not exactly a priority on the curriculum. Though maybe it's not so much Geography as it is map reading and comprehension. Few high school students would be able to pull out a Texas zip code map and navigate easily from one town to another. At least, not without a good GPS or some Internet access.

As technology advances and physical maps are less prevalent, maps in general will always be a part of the human experience. Humans tend to be visual creatures, and although you get step by step directions when looking for routes online, those directions always include a digital map of some sort to make sense out of the directions. Most GPS systems are the same way. While many people may not be comfortable reading a map, they are definitely comfortable with seeing their route mapped out right in front of them as they travel it. A Texas zip code map really isn't that much harder to comprehend.

Regardless of how much technology may take away the need for comprehension of physical maps, legends and keys, it is still an important part of any child's education. The ability to read maps is an important part of basic literacy and learning the language of 'giving directions' is an integral part of everyday life. Last but not least, any child needs to be relatively familiar with their own city, landmarks and neighborhood not just for educational purposes, but as a safety precaution as well.

For the elementary classroom, atlases tend to have too many details and confusing boundaries and symbols to be easy to teach. Something simple like a Texas zip code map is probably the best bet for young students. For a state as big as Texas, simpler the better. Most zip code maps of Texas will include major roads and landmarks as well as zip code boundaries marked in different colors.

You can access many different types of maps, including a Texas zip code map, online. Of course, the free maps are often low resolution, hard to read and nearly impossible to manipulate. The best thing about actually purchasing a zip code map of Texas online it that it's high-resolution, available for download immediately and there are no hidden fees involved (such as shipping and handling or printing).

After purchasing a map, it's up to a teacher to decide whether to print it or just show it on a projector. You can either print low quality copies right at school, or get better prints by paying out of pocket to have them done at a local copier. Of course, using a projector hooked up to a computer or an overhead transparency is cheaper. It's also more eco-friendly - always a good lesson for children.

Whether using a globe, atlas or Texas zip code map in the classroom, it's an important addition to any lesson plan. Children in any town, state or country should be familiar with their neighborhood and town. Having decent map reading skills could wind up being as important as a child memorizing his or her address and phone number. It helps children gain familiarity with the local landscape, strengthens communicative skills and can even help to keep them safer in the long run.

About the Author

About the Author: Clara Ryken is a cartography and educational guru at ZipCodeGuy. You can learn more about a Texas zip code map and state and county maps at ZipcodeGuy.com.

Using A Texas Zip Code Map in the Classroom

About the Author

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