Make your personal map

Objectives

The activity aims at a subjective observation of one’s environment. The environment is first perceived and then visually recorded by creating one’s own map. Through the personally designed maps, different perceptions and realities of life in a common space or environment (neighbourhood) become visible and can lead to a discussion within a group.

Main skills addressed:

• Empathy
• Self-expression

Preparation

Preparations:

The teacher prepares a short input on the topic of mapping for the participants (What are maps for? Who creates maps? What are the different types of maps?). In this context, illustrative examples should be used. For visual support, it is recommended to transmit examples on a larger screen. In this case, appropriate digital media are required.

Materials needed:

• Paper
• Pens
• Cardboard
• Post-its
• Glue, scotch tape or similar handicraft utensils for the design of the individual maps of the participants

Instructions

Participants go out of the classroom and explore the neighbourhood. They can either be sent off with a pre-determined thematic question or approach the space with open questions such as: What do I perceive? What can I see, hear, smell? What do I feel? The focus is on consciously perceiving the surroundings and thus experiencing a very individual idea of the neighbourhood, which serves to develop the map. During the walk through the neighbourhood, photos, notes or drawings can be made, which can be used in the design of the maps.

Creating the maps: The participants are allowed to be creative in designing the maps. There are no restrictions or rules. They can decide how they want to illustrate what they have perceived and how they want to share their perception of the neighbourhood with the group. The result can be a (digital) collage, photo or video production from the images obtained. Or an analogue map/poster made from collected or provided materials.

Closing Up

The participants are allowed to present and explain their maps in front of the group. Leading questions for the discussion could be: Were the same aspects perceived? Were the perceptions completely different? What are the differences and similarities? The next walk through the neighbourhood will also be exciting, because of the new perspectives.