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Re: Teaching directions
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #876073 by photopam
Nov 11, 2014 9:05am
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I don't have any words of wisdom, but wanted to share that I had similar issues with directions when I was a kid. I didn't get how north wasn't always straight ahead! Eventually I got it, and I ended up as salutatorian of my high school class, so being directionally challenged in elementary school fortunately did not have an impact on my future success. ;)
Re: Teaching directions
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #876069 by photopam
Nov 11, 2014 9:13am
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I like the mnemonics and compass suggestions.

I would also start having her learn the United States map. Most kids can remember that California is west, and where the sun sets. The north is the North Pole and it is on top, and the East is where the sun rises, and you can figure out a state she might recognise.

I think visual and audio cues combined, help.

In my town, it is very flat and I can't see the coast... But I can reference a few different roads and then visualize where the ocean is, from there.

Getting her very familiar with your town's map will help, too. We rely so much on GPS usage, we don't have clear pictures in our heads of orientation

I'm sure my 9 year old would confuse the directions as well! I'm positive of it, actually.
Re: Teaching directions
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #876070 by Alaska hsm
Nov 11, 2014 9:13am
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I learned NEVER EAT SOGGY WAFFLES... I like shredded wheat
Re: Teaching directions
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #876069 by photopam
Nov 11, 2014 9:23am
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Take her letterboxing! With a compass! :)
Re: Teaching directions
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #876069 by photopam
Nov 11, 2014 9:34am
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This is how I taught my kids: http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb//pubs/teachers-packets/mapadventures/

It's fun and they still have directions down several years later.
Re: Teaching directions
Board: Homeschooling
Reply to: #876082 by Hosmer's
Nov 11, 2014 10:17am
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Oooh thanks! These look good. I'll try them out with her later.
Thanks!