Being a little artsy myself, it is always a pleasure to incorporate anything crafty in our home school. I try to provide auditory, visual and tactile learning experiences and large projects like this are perfect. My goal here was to create a huge paper mache map of Great Britain. As it was to be specifically used for our Anglo Saxon and Viking studies as well as Middle Ages, I wanted it to include the countries the two former cultures migrated from (Norway, Sweden, Germany, Denmark) as well as the countries the Vikings explored (Newfoundland, Iceland and Greenland). The idea was that the children would actively build these countries and therefore NEVER forget where they were. I had decided to build some of the things we had learnt about in our Anglo Saxon lessons: Offa’s Dyke, Sutton Hoo Burial and an Anglo Saxon village. I also included a boat to show the direction of migration. Once we study the Vikings we will choose different land marks and subjects to focus on and build.
I already had a large piece of card tucked away and I sent off for some papier mache powder. Obviously it would have been much less expensive to have just used newspaper but I wanted the children to try something new and we’ve already done loads of newspaper papier mache.
First we did an outline of Britain, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland (America). The children marked out all the countries and outlined the map with black. (only showing Britain- the map really is huge!):
The children putting the plaster paper mache around the outline:
The final papier mache outline:
After painting all the water:
And a closer view:
This was painted in readiness for ‘decorating’ with Anglo Saxon bits and pieces. So much fun :
So much fun, for so little money!
To see how we used this map to learn about the Anglo Saxons click on the picture below:
that is amazing:) My family love the viking period and my husband is an viking re enactor:) Have you ever been to Westow Anglo Saxon village?
We are hoping to go this summer, along with a visit to Sutton Hoo, on our way up to London. My older three would love to get into re-enactment!
Wow, the model is really good!
That’s so sweet of you, thank you!!
Claire, once again words cannot say what an amazing home school mum you are. Your creativity is such a blessing to your children. The map outline was certainly big and how you filled it all in to show so much really brings it to life for your children and myself! I love all your visual learning.
Thanks Caroline for your lovely, encouraging comment. I don’t think I could do this homeschool thing if you weren’t at the other end of the phone on the bad days! Thanks for being such a great friend!
This is the most amazing relief map I have ever seen…in terms of scale and detail. I am sure it was well worth all of the work considering how much I am sure they got out of it. They will never forget it! Thanks for linking up.
Thank you so much, you are truely so encouraging!
Wow-that is amazing and such a brilliant way to learn. I’ve noticed that you’ve done some ancient history-must look through that as we’ve been looking at Mesopotamia and Egypt this autumn.
We’ve done loads of both, but unfortunately before I started the blog. I was thinking about posting the ancient history we’ve done in the past. I’ll let you know if I do. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
This is incredible! I can’t imagine attempting something so amazing and having such great results!!! Awesome job!
Kristy
TheMessExposed.blogspot.com
Thank you Kristy. We did have lots and lots of fun!
WOW!! That is amazing!!! I would never have thought to use papier mache in map making! Brilliant!
I found you through the Hip Homeschool Hop and am now a new follower!
I’m so chuffed, thank you! I’m popping over to your blog now to have a peek- the sewing part appeals already!
YAY! Thanks!! 🙂
I’ve just put a link to this on a blog post. Definitely on my “I wonder if we could do this” list!
I think that’s the first time anyone has done that. Thank you. I’m chuffed!
Ooh what a very clever idea and what an AMAZING map! It looks fantastic. What a great effort. Am impressed.
Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy
My pleasure. Thank you for having me!
That is AMAZING!!!!!!! You’ve got to be the coolest homeschool mom, ever!
This has got to be my favourite comment EVER!! I had to show my children, so they knew I was cool (they had no idea!!)
Hi. Mummy, thank you for all your hard work. You work so hard. You make sure the babies enjoy their school, I bet you’re the coolest and most crafty mum in the world. The presentation was a success because of you,the best mum ever! C9
The presentation was a success because of you guys. We love you all so much!
I would have never thought to use paper mache in map making. Your map looks AMAZING!! WOW! You should be proud =-)
Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Have a GREAT weekend,
Beth =-)
Thank you for having me!
Hi! I wanted to let you know that your post was one of the most popular on the Look! What We Did website. I have featured it.
Thanks Savannah!
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Thanks for the great ideas, I’m just researching the middle ages for projects with my son and love this map idea. We travelled to Newfoundland last year to visit the viking village, fascinating history. But my kids were upset to read you said it was in America, as they are very proud Canadians!!!
Ooops, I assume it is in Canada?! So sorry 😞