Draw Map Series

Name: Draw Map Series
Brand: ArtK

by ArtK

Social_studiesGrades 3–8

Draw Map Series: Step-by-Step Geography Drawing Curriculum

The Draw Map Series consists of nine books that teach students grades 3-8 how to create outline maps of different regions of the world through step-by-step drawing instructions. The curriculum uses a simplified, grid-based approach to help students learn geographic placement and relative sizes of continents, countries, and major features.

Best for

Homeschool families and classrooms seeking a hands-on introduction to world geography for students grades 3-8, particularly those who benefit from kinesthetic learning and step-by-step visual instruction.

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides clear, step-by-step direct instruction for map drawing with explicit guidance at each stage.

Review states 'Author Kristin Draeger explains and shows what students are to draw a step at a time' and 'Draeger makes the process very easy to follow'

Geographic KnowledgeStrength

This is the curriculum's primary strength, systematically building geographic knowledge through hands-on map creation. Students learn continent placement, relative sizes, and major geographic features through drawing practice.

Review notes it teaches 'placement and relative size of the continents and five oceans' and includes 'the Great Lakes' in the USA book, with grid-based systems for accurate placement

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum appears to be designed for easy implementation without extensive teacher preparation, but formal professional development materials are not mentioned.

Review indicates the books are 'very easy to follow' and 'not consumable, so you should be able to use the same book for the entire family', suggesting simple implementation

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

The curriculum includes some geographic vocabulary but appears limited in scope. The casual writing style may not emphasize formal academic vocabulary development.

Review mentions terms like 'Horn of Africa' and 'peninsula' but notes the author's 'casual and non-technical' style, using informal language like 'horn-like thingy'

Primary SourcesInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum does not incorporate primary source documents as it is focused on map drawing rather than historical analysis.

Review describes step-by-step drawing instructions without mention of historical documents or primary sources

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum does not appear to include systematic retrieval practice or spaced review of previously learned geographic knowledge.

Review focuses on the drawing process but does not mention review activities, cumulative practice, or retention strategies

Chronological KnowledgeInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum does not address chronological historical knowledge as it focuses purely on geographic map-making skills.

Review describes the series as teaching 'how to make outline maps' with focus on 'placement and relative size of continents' rather than historical content

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com