Thumbing the Map Course
Students move through a cone maze on the blacktop by following a line drawn on the map, keeping their thumb on their position and the map oriented. They learn the thumbing technique and how to keep the map set at every turn.
How to play
- Set up a maze of about 20 cones and draw a line with 8 turns through it on a simple map of the area. Make one copy per student.
- Spend 3 minutes explaining the technique: hold the map with both hands, keep your thumb on where you are and, when you turn your body, turn the map so it still lines up with the ground.
- First run at a walk: students follow the line, moving their thumb at every cone. Starts are every 15 seconds.
- In pairs, a partner stands at junctions and asks "Where are you?"; the walker must point instantly with their thumb. Partners switch afterward.
- Second run at a jog with a new 10-turn line. Each time the teacher blows the whistle, everyone freezes and shows their thumb on the map.
- Students with their thumb in the right spot at each freeze earn a point; play about 4 freezes per run.
Rules
- The map must stay oriented; no folding it into a pocket.
- Start one at a time so no lines form inside the maze.
- On the whistle, freeze in place to avoid collisions.
- Do not step on or move the cones.
Variations
Easier
Use a 5-turn line with colored cones that match colors on the map.
Standard
Use an 8- to 10-turn line with identical cones.
Harder
Remove landmark cones and run the course from memory after studying the map for 20 seconds.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: widen the lanes between cones for wheelchair access and use a line with fewer turns.
- Hearing impairment: replace the whistle with a visual signal, such as a raised pinnie.
- Advanced students: draw a line for a partner to follow.
Learning goals
- Use the thumbing technique to always know where you are.
- Keep the map oriented when changing direction.
- Coordinate map reading with movement.
Equipment for a class of 25
- maps: 50
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is turning the body without turning the map; correct it at the first cones. Build the map around big fixed landmarks like basketball hoops or goals so students orient quickly.
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