Hands On World Geography with Pin It Maps
After our wonderful experience with the US Geography Pin It Map set, I was ready to give the World & Continents Bundle a try. This year was the perfect time to use it because we are ready to travel the globe as we study World Geography this year.
I knew that hours of pin building were in store for me once the set was delivered, but I was ready for it.
These interactive, sturdy, reusable maps sets are well worth the effort it takes to put the pins together. After all, pin making is a perfect excuse to catch up on a few good Netflix shows. Better yet, invite a friend over to work on their set (or to help you) and catch up over a few hours of conversation.
In the end, you won’t regret it.
{This post contains affiliate links. In addition, I offered to write a review in exchange for the World Pin It map bundle but you can rest assured that the opinions are my own. You can read my full disclosure.}
What Are Pin It Maps?
Pin It Maps are beautiful, high-quality maps that can be used by kids over and over again to “pin” historical and physical locations all around the world. Pin It Maps make it easy to throw out the worksheets and engage your students with hands-on learning.
Each set comes with control maps (think: Answer Key) as well as a large 18″x24″ map for pinning.
Students can pin the flags on the large maps while referring to the control map (or an Atlas) as needed. The control maps encourage your students to work independently by giving them the ability to check their own work.
Of course, independence isn’t a requirement because it is so much fun for mom to join in as well.
What Comes with the Pin It Map World Bundle?
The World & Continent Bundle includes eight large Maps: maps of 6 continent (Antarctica is not included), a map of the World, and Central America and the Carribean. This bundle will allow your kids to pin the countries, major cities, physical features (land and water), and the country flags on every continent in the World!
Your Set Includes:
- 8 — 18 x 24″ Pin Maps (World, N. America, S. America, Central America/ Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia/ Oceania)
- 2 — Foam Sheets (18 x 24 x .5″) with plastic corners
- 30 — 12 x 18″ Control Maps
- 1 — set of 1147 flag labels and national flags
- Flag poles and flag bases
- 1/2″ Transparent Scotch tape for colored flag labels
- 3/4″ Transparent Scotch tape for national flags
Seriously. Even the tape you need to assemble the flags is included.
The maps and flags are printed on heavy card-stock and the pin map is laid on a sheet of 18×24 foam held by plastic corners. The maps and flags are coated with a gloss finish for durability. You do not need to laminate the flags.
What Else do you Need to Purchase?
Creating the flags will require 1-3/4″ Quilters Pins. These are not shipped with your other materials.
I purchased a pack of 500 and it was not enough. I had to run to the store to grab an additional pack of 500.
In addition, you need to consider how you want to store the pins.
I purchased one large 4×6 photo storage bin because I had some compartments left in my bin for the US Map set. If you only have the World set then you will need to purchase two large 4×6 photo storage bins.
I store my US Map Set and the World & Continent Map set in a space between a bookcase and the wall. The maps store vertically while the photo storage bins rest on the bookcase.
How Does the Pin It Map Work?
Your 18″x24″ laminated map is attached to a piece of foam board with four plastic corners. These corners hold your map in place.
The pin is stuck through the map and into the foam board, which holds it in place. The pins are built with a “bumper” in place to keep the pin from going through the foam board.
How Could You Use the World & Continent Pin It Maps?
Pin It Maps are a perfect alternative to workbook map assignments.
Don’t get me wrong. I love to print out a good continent or country map to fill in with my kids, but then it is finished. Pin It Maps provide a perfect follow up activity to the worksheet that can be used again and again.
I pull out one of the continent maps each time we begin a new continent study. We pin a few things each day and talk about the pins. This hands-on activity helps my kids gain familiarity with the names and locations of countries, major cities, and major landforms without the overuse of a workbook.
How do you Make the Flag Pins?
I will be the first to tell you that this is a time-consuming activity. I received the entire World Set at once, so there were a lot of pins to make at once.
I suggest that you block out a few hours of time, find a friend or spouse or parent to help if you can, and just get it done.
Talk. Watch Netflix. Listen to a podcast. And build the flags.
Want to see how it is done? I shared instructions on Facebook:
What Maps are Included in the World and Continent Bundle?
The World and Continent Map Bundle includes eight 18 x 24″ and thirty 12 x 18″ Control Maps.
The eight large (18×24″) control maps feature:
- South America
- North America
- Central America and the Carribean
- Asia
- Africa
- Austrailia
- Europe
- The World
The thirty control maps have four control maps for each continent:
- Countries
- Major Cities
- Major Landforms (bodies of water, mountains, volcanoes, etc)
- Country Flags
The remaining 2 control maps are for the World map and included:
- Continent and Oceans
- Land and Water Forms
How are the Maps Working for You?
These maps have been a fantastic resource for our year of Learning Around the World.
In future years when we are less intensely focused on Geography, I suspect they will come out on rainy days and during our history studies. They are also a perfect activity to loop with our Morning Basket Loop in the future.
You can purchase Pin It Maps individually or in bundles.
Use the code: maps to receive 10% off your purchase!
Other Helpful Geography Posts:
US Geography with Pin It Maps
Our Plan to Learn Around the World
Learn Physical Geography Using Fun and Games
Geography Morning Basket Resources
She believes that creativity, laughter, and fun are the backbone for engaging and inspiring homeschools. You can find her encouragement and tips on this blog, Mary Hanna Wilson.
She is an enneagram 7 and an extrovert. She enjoys traveling, tea (iced or hot), good conversations, and books. You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
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Can these maps be hung on a wall or would the pins fall out?
Amy – They really aren’t meant for the wall. I am not sure the pins would fall out (they are pretty secure), but they are in the foam board and I am not sure how you would hang that.
Do you pin and repin the flags onto precisely the same spot each time you use it?
No. You can insert the pin anywhere on the map each time. There are designated symbols so it is usually in the same general area.