Children with Raleigh Educational Association of Christian Homeschoolers (REACH) tour Asia.
Area Children Learn about Geography by Touring Giant Map of Asia ational Geographic’s Giant Traveling Map of Asia visited Concord University in November. Measuring 26 feet by 35 feet, the interactive floor map is designed as a huge game board to introduce students to the diverse geography of Asia. During its visit to Concord, it was unfurled in the ballroom of the Jerry and Jean Beasley Student Center. The map’s brightly colored, smooth vinyl surface accurately illustrates Asia’s oceans, seas, rivers, mountains, countries and capitals. Designed for grades K-8, the map comes with a trunk full of accessories, including interactive activities and props and photo cards that teach students about the physical characteristics of the continent as well as its rich history, wildlife and varied cultures. Mercer County public school students and area children who are 13 • Spring 2014
homeschooled visited the map to enjoy the fun learning opportunities it offers. Retired Mercer County teacher, now substitute teacher and Concord adjunct instructor in geography, Linda Poff ’76, led the activities and coordinated the map’s stop in Athens. The map’s visit to Concord was sponsored by the West Virginia Geographic Alliance. This is the second National Geographic Traveling Map to visit Concord. Nearly 1,000 children took part in activities when the map of North America was on campus in 2012. Ms. Poff coordinated this inaugural map visit as well. National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program is organized by National Geographic Live, the public programming division of the National Geographic Society. Visit www.nationalgeographic. com/giantmaps to learn more about the map program.
Above: Linda Poff ’76 spends time on the map with students from Athens Elementary School. Below: Books on Asia – and a furry friend – add to the learning fun.