I love the art of Lordy Rodriguez. I mean, what's not to love? It's imaginary maps created with fun visual patterning - straight up eye candy. The fact that these maps push me to think about how our world is constructed, and my place within it... well, that's like telling me a Reece's Peanut Butter Cup is also a multi vitamin.
So I was excited to introduce Rodriguez's art to the kids. It just so happens that his art aligns perfectly with some of the foundational work that we are doing as we prepare to homeschool. It lends itself to world building, storytelling, and centers around maps.
We've been exploring maps and map art off and on for a couple years now. The kids have practiced scanning maps for specific information, and we've started to touch on how maps can serve multiple purposes. You can see some of that work within our Mark Bradford Unit.
Why are we looking so closely at maps? I'm doing this for a few reasons - one, I think maps are gorgeous and have always been a bit obsessed. Two, I am preparing for ideas of physical space to serve as part of the infrastructure of our homeschool. And three, I want kids who can navigate themselves through their world without having to rely on technology. I want this not because I believe there is something inherently wrong with technology, but because I believe creating mental maps is a vital piece of creative thinking and memory production.
I also think that maps can play a huge part in creative play and world building. Which may seem a bit fluffy to some at first glance, but when you consider that in order to "build a world" you must first understand the systems that govern our natural and social environment, it seems rather fantastic.
I also believe this particular bit of imaginary play could set up amazing units for all ages in Geography, Writing, and Economics. But I'm getting ahead of myself. First, let's take a look at the creative play activity.
Using Rodriguez's art as inspiration, I presented the kids with an invitation to create their own map. I cut out a large base fabric to serve as an ocean background, and then cut patterned fabric scraps into various sizes and shapes. The patterned pieces would serve as the countries or states on the map.
If you are looking to recreate this invitation to play, I recommend looking into your closet first. Are there any old clothes that could make a fun country? If that doesn't work, most fabric stores carry quilting quarters that offers just enough fabric for a couple big pieces.
The kids built up a continent of countries, and that's when the art came alive and the play began. Rémy pulled out a camper for the peg dolls to go on a road trip, as well as airplanes so that they could fly around. Sierra gave the ocean and all the countries wood animals. Boats sailed the seas, cars sped along the land. Stories were told.
This type of play was powerful enough for my toddler and preschooler. But I could see this play as a jumping off point for slightly older kids. They could explore economic ideas of resource allocation and trade. They could flesh out entire countries, complete with religious, political, and cultural systems. They could use the land as the backdrop of an epic tale.
With all this in mind, I will be holding onto our little Lordy Rodriguez play world. Undoubtedly, there will be a revisit or two.
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