All three school divisions used the map of Europe to enhance and reinforce classroom history lessons on geography, globalization, and geo-literacy. The Lower School utilized the map to introduce the idea of  global identity and teach students a sense of time and place. The Middle School worked with measurements to support studies on global citizenship and agency and explore how distance affects events, policies, and conflicts. The Upper School used their advanced mapping skills to interpret the significance of geography in major historical and current events and reflect on those implications and connections prior to final and AP exams.

Dr. Susan Corbesero, History Department Chair and Global Initiatives Coordinator, planned and secured the giant map’s visit to Ellis and hopes to facilitate future maps. Committed to global initiatives and leadership across divisions, Dr. Corbesero recognizes the importance of global education in today’s rapidly changing world.

“At Ellis, we are creating global leaders and change agents, and the map strengthened students’ global toolkit. Geo-literacy is an incredibly important skill and goes beyond just knowing the capitals or pointing out a place on a map. We want students to see the impact and significance geography plays in history. The map encouraged students to interpret geography, rather than just memorize it.”

The impressive map included political boundaries, topography, and terrains and augmented each division’s curriculum via interactive sessions on landmarks, geography, demographics, and economics. Ellis faculty’s intentional use of the map bolstered students’ political and geographic skills in an effective, experiential, and entertaining way. Through this additional interwoven enrichment, students developed a multifaceted expertise of Europe and it’s place within history with greater meaning.

At The Ellis School, city, state, and even country lines do not limit the learning opportunities offered to students. Global education is an integral and important part of the curriculum that Ellis is committed to exploring further as girls discover how they can make an impact as global citizens.