Hello Readers. I am always looking for ways to sneak educational things into my kids lives. This idea for a map table came about because I wanted to hang a big map of the world but I did not have anywhere large enough to hang it. I attached the map to the table so we can see it everyday at meal times and we will learn some geography.
Attach a map to a table top.
I got
this map from Amazon. You can choose any map you like. You might want a map of the country instead of the world. The important thing about this map is that it is laminated. A paper map is going to get dirty and you can't wipe the paper clean like you can this laminated surface. This map is very close in size to my table. Your table will vary in size. That is OK. You want a map that is very close to the edge of your table on all sides, or the map can be larger and you can cut off the excess.
I unrolled the map and put some items on top to hold it down while I checked the size. My map was wide enough to just reach the edges of my table. That was perfect. It was too tall for my table so I would need to cut it to fit.
Next, I got some
very sturdy shipping tape. I wanted it to be clear so the map would show through it. I did not use cellophane tape because it would be too narrow. I also don't think it would be strong enough to handle daily washing and cleaning up after meals. Shipping tape is wider and more sturdy.
I tried to get close to the tape with my camera as I attached it to the table so you could see. I taped one side of the map to the table to start with. This side was the right size and I wanted to hold the map in place on the table for my next steps. I used a long piece of tape and placed the tape right centered on the edge of the table. That way half the tape is on the map and half is folded down and stuck on the side of the table. This will protect the edge of the map from spills and clean-ups. (*Note- This tape could damage a painted or finished wood table. My table is metal on the sides so it will be fine.Test the finish of your table in a spot that won't be noticeable to see if the tape is safe for your table.)
My map was not fully taped in place all around the table yet but it was not moving around. That was what I needed so that I could cut the map to fit my table. The corners of the table are rounded so I cut the corners of my map to match using some craft scissors. It was easy to cut through the map.
One side of this map did not fit on my table at all. I cut off all the flags at the bottom of my map. I also had to cut off Antarctica. (My deepest apologies to Antarctica and the scientists working there. Please don't take this personally. I have nothing but love for Antarctica.)
Here is another look at the taped edge. I used the shopping tape all the way around the table to keep the edge of the map covered. I got a few little air bubbles under my tape but its OK. The tape is secure. And my kids can still see the world map and learn from it. That is what matters.
Here is a child recreating what it would look like to eat breakfast at this table. In reality it would be more messy. You can see my son is sitting around Australia.
Here is a view of the map on my table, or, my map table from above. It turned out great. It cleans up really well. I can still put a tablecloth on top of it if I want to be fancy for a holiday or party. We really like it. Thanks for reading along, now go make something for yourself.
