MAP MATS are a product from Maryville Center for Access and Achievement in collaboration with Tufts CEEO.MAP MATS: Playful Adventures in math and science is a set of activities that supports joyful, meaningful, play-based learning. The activities use the following materials: • Three large floor MAP MATS• LEGO Education DUPLO Kits: My XL World, Steam Park, and People• A downloadable activity guide with colorful, clear directions for 25 different activities focused on play-based learning for math, engineering, and scienceChildren work in pairs or small groups around one of the three MAP MATS on the classroom floor. The mats are colorful representations of environments familiar to children such as a playground, roadway, and beach. There are twenty-five 30-60 minute activities which foster play-based learning in math, engineering, and science. For example, children can practice spatial and pattern recognition, numeracy, and measuring skills, or learn how the coordinate system works. The mats provide context and a defined area that triggers children’s imagination and creativity when working with the LEGO bricks as the children carry out the activities. They also create a shared immersive environment to support classroom discussions and common representations. Finally, they build community through collaborative fun, imaginative storytelling, and hands-on problem-solving of STEM-based challenges. While doing the many creative activities, teachers encourage children to invent, iterate, try things out, and fail!
