“An international Gallup survey commissioned by the National Geo graphic Society in 1988 found 24 million Americans were unable to identify the United States on a map of the world and 25 percent of those surveyed could not locate the Pacific Ocean.” (source).

It is very important our students learn basic literacy skills.  One of those skills we are starting the year off in 6th grade Social Studies is mapping.  We have spent the week looking at the basics of maps, focusing on identifying what the map is about (the title) to understanding what the information is telling us (analyzing) to simply being able to identify the Cardinal Directions.  This entire process has culminated in an informal assessment today in which students had to put their learning into practice.  Each student answered 10 questions about applying the information we studied to Wisconsin and Milwaukee maps (as we have been practicing).  As part of their assessment, each student will self-evaluate based on our “I Can” statements (which are based off of the C3 Social Studies standards); which allows for the student (and myself) to see areas of need and growth over the course of our school year.