Treasure... I mean, WONDERMAPS! - Review

Oh the wonder of the aptly named WonderMaps!!!!  While I'm not a pirate and offer a pretty pathetic sounding "ARRGH," I do believe I've found treasure.  No not gold, silver, or rubies, but if "X" marks the spot, Bright Ideas Press does not disappoint.  This enormous collection of maps is an unquestionable find.

WonderMaps includes:

60+ maps of the world

60+ maps of the USA

125 historical maps, including 25 biblical maps

The complete map sets from The Mystery of History vols. I–III and All American History vols. I & II

Whether you choose to print any of the 350 different maps or simply view them from your computer screen, each one can be adapted to the needs and level of the student.  I know customization always sounds like a nice option, but often the detailed directions to accomplish such a task are overwhelming and too time-consuming for busy homeschool moms and students.   Again, WonderMaps steps up to the challenge and proves to be a winner!  The maps various layers can be turned off and on with a simple checkbox.  I assure you a small child can handle it, as my 4, 5, and 6 year old children all took turns clicking the mouse to help Mom manipulate the maps.

WonderMaps features: historical or modern-day maps outline, reference, political, or topographical maps black-and-white or color maps features including: names, borders, rivers, cities, physical features, and graticules

As part of our Five In A Row Curriculum this week,  we read Another Celebrated Dancing Bear.  The setting of the book is Russia and three cities were mentioned within the story.  I wanted the kiddos to be able to see where they were in relation to one another, so we went immediately to WonderMaps.  In order for them to see the cities, I chose to remove color and all features except city locations and names.  This allowed my little ones to focus on one specific task - finding the cities.  It was much easier to do using the simple black and white, outline map.
 

We are also using the Galloping the Globe curriculum this year.  Therefore, we've just finished an introduction to geography unit where we focused on continents, oceans, landforms, and map skills.  This week we moved on to study an individual country.  Our focus this week and next is China.  I printed the topographical map and left all of the features on.  This allowed the kids to get an immediate idea of the terrain, the size, the rivers, the number of cities, etc. 

Often, the life of a homeschool product is fleeting, but I know our family will be utilizing WonderMaps for years to come.Our course of study the next two years will have the kids traveling from country to country.  Then, we'll head home to the good ol' USA where we plan to be Cantering the Country for a couple years.  I'm thrilled that WonderMaps has an entire section dedicated to the 50 states and specific maps for each. 

As Moms' pour over homeschool curriculum each and every year the groans and grumbles are louder and louder as they pull yet another crumbled wad of cash from their wallets.  Thankfully, WonderMaps eradicates the need for so many consumables.  Moms can trade-up their grumbling for grins!  I know in my home, not only were all three of my children able to use WonderMaps the past couple weeks, but they will continue to do so throughout the remainder of their schooling.  How many products offer that kind of return and at such a reasonable price?  At Timberdoodle's price $44.95 - it's an incredibly wise investment. Visit Timberdoodle today.  Not only will you be able to purchase WonderMaps, but you will find a plethora of educational books, games, kits, toys, and curriculum to meet your homeschool needs.  You might consider pairing WonderMaps with some geography puzzles and geopgraphy curriculum.  Timberdoodle offers you many choices and your kids will be so excited to get their hands on any of this company's goodies - they're fabulous! Read what other Mom's are saying about WonderMaps HERE! Disclosure: As a member of Timberdoodle's Blogger Review Team I received a free copyof WonderMaps in exchange for a frank and unbiased review.