Children are extremely physical learners. Almost from the moment of their birth they are reaching out to explore the world around them. They want to see, hear, touch, smell, and taste everything. When everything is new, nothing is bad or wrong and everything is exciting and wondrous. This young, exploring age is the best time to introduce children to geography by strategic selection and placement of maps.

Now, no infant is going to recognize the importance of a USA Wall Map on their nursery wall. However, if there is one there, then they will grow to expect maps to be a part of their life. Eventually they will be old enough to understand that many of the faraway places in the stories and books they encounter can be found on maps.

Giving them puzzles and games that teach them to use and put together maps is also a good idea. The more tactile the toy, such as a globe with raised features, the more attractive it will be for young children. Older children may appreciate a World Wall Map in their bedroom as it will give them a physical representation on which to attach dreams of future travel as well as fantasies about living in historical times.