Floor Maps

Download: Floor Maps Sample

Purpose: Develop directionality and spatial computational skills.

Directions:

1. Print off the attached pdf file.
2. The goal is to have the child progress through the same map while increasing the difficulty level (loading the activity). When the child can handle Sample Map 1 with ease, move on to Sample Map 2.
3. Sample Map 1 (Basic Sequences):
   1.  Child begins at ‘Start’.
   2. Therapist instructs child to walk to the first point, ‘A’, then ask “Which way must you turn to get to ‘B’?”
   3. The child will respond correctly or incorrectly (correct answer in this case is ‘right’). If incorrect, provide the correct response. If correct, reinforce this by providing positive feedback such as ‘yes, that’s correct, good for you!’.
   4. Have the child now turn a 1/4 turn to the right so he is facing towards the letter ‘B’. The child is instructed to walk towards the ‘B’ and stop without turning. Again, ask the question ‘Which way must you turn to get to the ‘C’?’.
   5. The sequence described in steps 2-4 above are repeated for each of the remain steps until the End is reached. Vary the sequencing so the child follows all possible paths to get to the End marker.
4. Sample Map 1 (Advanced Sequences Part 1):
   1. Child begins at ‘Start’.
   2. Therapist asks the child to describe what moves and turns are required to get to a given point on the map. The child describes these moves verbally before executing them. Keep things simple at first, perhaps only 2 or 3 ‘hops’.
   3. The child executes the required movements to get to the point selected in step 1. As each movement is executed, the child is to stop, state which direction he must turn, then turn to face that direction. At first, the child can/should raise the hand on the side of the turn while identifying the direction (left or right).
5. Sample Map 1 (Advanced Sequences Part 2):
   1. Child begins at ‘Start’.
   2. Therapist picks a point on the map.
   3. The child describes what moves and turns are required to get to that point. Start with simple sequences and build upon that to make the moves more complex.
6. Sample Map 1 (Advanced Sequences Part 3):
   1. Child repeats Basic and Advanced Sequences (Part 1 and 2) described above, but while walking backwards, that is, while facing away from the ‘End’ of the map.
7. Sample Map 2:
   1. Follow the same sequence as the Basic and Advanced Sequences (1-3) above, but using the larger more complicated map.

Tips:

• If the child finds even the simplest form of this task difficult, the therapist can right letters “R” and “L” on the appropriate hands so the child can reference these during the initial stages of training. You can also teach the trick that when the left hand is extended out in front of the child and the thumb is spread outwards, it forms an “L” with the index.
• Maps can be made using short lengths of painter’s tape if activities are done indoors, or using chalk if done outdoors. Painter’s tape adheres well and will not ruin flooring.
• This activity is sometimes called ‘Tank Commander’.