The rules were clear. Anywhere on the loop was fine for a ride around but no stopping. Stopping and visiting had to be pre-approved by the management (Mom and Dad). In general, the measure of an okay distance was within ear shod of Daddy’s distinctive whistle which you really could hear for about a block and a half away…as long as you stayed outside…also a rule.
Just once, I made the mistake of playing inside Kelly’s house and missed the “come home for dinner” whistle. As I didn’t respond (and he had a good idea where I was), Dad came to her house to “drag me home.” BIG MISTAKE! My beloved electric blue adventure machine was imprisoned in the shed, locked away, for a month….in the summer! I cried. Lesson learned.
I’ve often had students (young and old) make personal maps when teaching geographic or introducing spatial concepts. Just draw it out…what do you see? How do you remember it? It’s also powerful to share your map. My students, especially middle school and high school students, love seeing “my house.” They can also see that you don’t expect a Picasso-quality work of art! This kind of activity is a great starting point and makes students appreciate the cool GIS maps that appear on the screen so easily. Remember that personal perspective is an integral part of reading, writing and thinking about any subject.
Feel free to share your personal geography with someone today!
Personal Geography #1: http://gisined.blogspot.com/2010/08/personal-geography-1-theres-no-place.html
Personal Geography #2: http://gisined.blogspot.com/2010/08/personal-geography-2-north-south-east.html
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