Riding Google Maps Magic Carpet

Practice First

Take a magic carpet wide with children and Google maps. You will need an ordinary rug for a magic carpet, a computer, and Google Maps found by typing it in the Google search window.
  Explain that it’s time for imaginary magic carpet rides like the ones Aladdin takes.   Sit on a rug and pretend you are going around your neighborhood high above the trees rather than in the car. Lean to the right and left to make a turn and dodge trees, dogs, or any obstacles children can imagine.
  When it is time to use Google Maps with children use a laptop rather than a desktop, if possible. Bring it on the floor to the magic carpet so the experience is more realistic. Some grandparents have magic couches if the floor is a bit too low for the knees.
Practice First
 Navigating Google Maps may take a little practice before playing with children. Go to Google.com.

Type in an Address

Type in Google Maps in the search rectangle.
  Click on Google Maps and type your house address into the search rectangle in the upper left of your screen. Then click on the search magnifying glass. Click on the satellite picture on the lower left of the screen to see a satellite view.
  Explain to children that you are all going on a magic carpet ride to look at their house the way a bird sees it and pretend to drop a heart picture on the steps.
 Show your children the map that appears. You will see an aerial shot of the neighborhood with trees, roads, and water features.  Click the plus sign on the screen’s right side several times to see a close up of the rooftops. Click on the screen and move the mouse very slowly to get the feeling that you are hovering over the rooftops.  Find your house and pretend to drop the love note.  Family members might place the exact message on the doorstep ahead of time and later children can find it.
Find Famous Spots
   Slowly move the mouse arrow around to travel down the street to landmarks children might recognize like a playground, school, or parking lot. Street names will usually be labeled making it easier to follow a route. If you’re lucky, there may be cars in driveways or parking lots.

Find Famous Spots

  Continue moving the screen to find a gravel pit, river, or lake. Children will be able to see the light colored shallow water and the darker deeper water. They will also enjoy seeing Glacier National Park, the Grand Canyon, Disney World, the White House, or relatives’ houses around the world. Satellites and thousands of planes crisscrossing the Earth have taken these images.
Screen Shots: Google maps
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest