When picking up toys to put away, say Please put your toy into the basket on the right, or Put the green washcloth into the drawer. Right and left are as much directional terms as north, south, east and west. Other words that describe such features as color, size and shape are also important. Show your children north, south, east and west by using your home as a reference point. Perhaps you can see the sun rising in the morning through a bedroom window that faces east and setting at night through a kitchen on the west.
Playing games can reinforce their knowledge.
Two steps to the north, three steps to the west. . . Put your child s natural curiosity to work. Even small children can learn to read simple maps of their school, neighborhood and community. Here are some simple map activities you can do with your children. Go on a walk and collect natural materials such as acorns and leaves to use for an art project.