Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A Texas Zip Code Map: Cheap Teaching Aid

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by Ashley Lichty

Geography in a classroom setting seems to be less of a priority in the curriculum then it used to be. Particularly when it comes to younger teens having the ability to read and understand maps and their symbols. It's likely that many high school teens in Texas and other areas would not be able to use a Texas zip code map, or any other type of map, to easily plot a route from their town to another. Throw a good GPS into the mix or access to the Internet for driving directions, and all bets are off.

Although technology seems to be slowly phasing out atlases, road maps and other physical maps, it's unlikely that the pictorial representation of areas is going anywhere. When you log on to get directions online you get not only the step by step directions themselves, but also a map to highlight the route. Even GPS navigational systems utilize a map to show an actual demo of the route suggested. So while many people may not be able to take a road map and plot a course, they definitely like the ability of watching it plotted out on a map for them as they program their GPS.

Regardless of how navigational advances may make most physical map-reading antiquated, and comprehension of map symbols and legends unnecessary, it's still a very important part of any child's education. Learning the language of "giving directions" is an important part of any culture, and map reading is an important part of basic literacy. Let's not forget that a teacher's tool like a Texas zip code map is an easy way to get children familiar with their own areas – an safety precaution as well as educational measure.

Possibly the best thing about utilizing a Texas zip code map in Texas classrooms is how inexpensive it is for teachers. Most teachers have to pay out of pocket for additional supplies and aids necessary in quality education. A zip code map of Texas can be purchased online for under $20. It's available instantly for download and can be kept forever and printed out as often as the educator needs.

Another favorable aspect of the Texas zip code map is that it isn't as cluttered and detailed as globes and atlases. Elementary school children take one look at a map with every single little road, creek, river, highway and feature of the landscape depicted on it and their minds go blank – it's information overload. A Texas zip code map simply includes major roads and landmarks, as well as zip code borders.

The map can be printed at a local copy shop or even right in the school. If the school has a good computer system and projector, or even an overhead transparency, then printing may be unnecessary. It's also more environmentally friendly, which is always a good lesson for today's youth. However, it's probably best to give each child their own Texas zip code map for whatever tasks, games or homework assigned.

Whatever lessons used to teach young children geography and map comprehension, they need to engage the child. A Texas zip code map can even be purchased by county so that you can get into more detailed areas. It will help children to become more familiar with their state, town and neighborhood and in some cases, knowing how to read a map and knowing your neighborhood can be just as important as a child memorizing their phone number and address. It also strengthens literacy and communication skills at the same time. When it comes to visual aids for geography, a Texas zip code map gives the teachers the best of both world: it's cheap and engaging for their students. Lesson learned!

You can get more information on a Texas zip code map, or zip code maps in general by checking out ZipCodeGuy. Ashley Lichty works part time as creative coordinator, content developer and promoter of ZipCodeGuy.com. She has a background in marketing with an emphasis in PPC advertising, SEO and copywriting.

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