What primary benefit do the map-making activities provide to second graders in their development of map skills?

The primary benefit of map-making activities for second graders lies in their ability to help students learn abstract map concepts through involvement in concrete experiences related to a familiar location. At this developmental stage, children are moving from concrete to more abstract thinking. By engaging in map-making activities, they can visualize and represent space and geography in a tangible way, making complex concepts more accessible.

For example, when students create maps of their classrooms, homes, or neighborhoods, they can relate these representations to their own experiences. This familiarity enhances understanding as they learn to identify symbols, directions, and distances. Being actively involved in the learning process makes these abstract concepts of geography more concrete, reinforcing their comprehension and retention.

The other aspects of social interaction and artistic expression are valuable too, but they serve more as supplementary benefits rather than the central focus of map-making's contribution to developing foundational geographic skills. Thus, the emphasis on concrete experiences tied to familiar locations establishes a strong basis for the understanding of maps and spatial relationships, which is crucial at this educational level.