Learn to Prepare Printable Geography Pin Maps and Flags

With our quick printable Geography files combined with a few supplies, your children can have a fantastic set of geography pin maps and flags.


   

• printed map
• pin map flags for the map you've printed
  
• scissors
• glue stick
• toothpicks (heavy duty) or T-Pins
• clear contact paper or clear packing tape
• a piece of cork board slightly larger than 8½ x 11" (to be placed under the map to hold the flags in place)

Important Note regarding color-coding: It's very important to consider the color-coding of your map work before you start purchasing/preparing your materials. Traditional Montessori Colors for maps are as follows:

 

This color-coding system works well in that it helps the children (and the teachers) keep all the materials for each continent organized. However, if you do not follow the traditional Montessori map colors, then consider making your own color-coding system. The number of photo cards, flags, and labels for each continent really add up ... and it's extremely time-consuming to have to resort hundreds of cards!

If you're using files from the Geography section of our store, please note that all our materials come with the traditional color-coding and without any color-coding.

With Color-Coding (back of flags have color strip)
  

No Color-Coding
   

Let's get started!

1. Print out your pin map flags. If you're using the pin map flag files from our store, please note that there are two sets of flags in each file. One set has the names on the backs of the flags (the control set), and 1 set is without the names on the backs of the flags - you can choose the set you feel is appropriate for your children.

2. Cut out each flag (just follow the printed lines).

3. Fold each flag in half, and then open and place the blank side facing up on the table.

4. Apply glue to the crease line and one half of the flag.

5. Lay the toothpick (2½" rounded toothpick) or T-pin (look for at least a 2" pin) along the crease line.

                                                    

Make sure there is enough glue on the crease line to adequately hold the toothpick/T-pin in place.

6. Fold the flag in half along the toothpick. Pinch the paper around the toothpick and press the front and back of the flag together so that they adhere.

7. Using clear contact paper or clear packing tape you can laminate/protect the flags.

Lay the flag on the tape and press it down so that it adheres to the tape.


Flip the flag that is adhered to the tape over to the left so that the other side of the flag is now adhered to the tape as well (the flag is now sandwiched between the tape).


Using scissors, trim the excess tape off

8. A piece of foam board (or styrofoam) is an excellent way to store your flags upright.

9. Place the cork board on the table.

10. Attach the printed map to the cork board. (staples or pushpins in each corner work well)

Happy Pinning!