Historical society teaches Park students about map reading

The Warwick Historical Society came to visit each of Park Avenue Elementary School’s second-grade classrooms on Friday to teach students about map vocabulary, map reading and how to determine direction by using a map’s compass rose.

Students learned from historical society volunteers Annette Sanchez and Mary McGlinn, who taught the students how to tell which way was east by using the location of the morning sun. 

They also taught students how to read a map grid using a map of Warwick. “When you use your fingers and you find a place, when you actually find a place, you can say, ‘Wow, I can read a map!’” Ms. Sanchez told the students in teacher Jennie Theologis’s class.

The students found points of interest in Warwick (such as Bellvale Creamery, the Warwick Drive-In and Pennings Farm) on a local map that they have often visited in person. They also used the map’s compass rose to determine the necessary direction to travel from location to location.

The Warwick Valley Central School District occasionally utilizes community members in its school lessons to provide students with real-world connections, practical experiences, and diverse perspectives. Thank you so much, Warwick Historical Society, for your dedication to our students!