Puzzle Map: World Parts - Asia View
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
The world map oriented on Asia, which is a different object from the Atlantic-centred map most children meet first. Seeing the Pacific whole, and Europe pushed to the edge, is the quickest way to show that a map has a point of view. Includes a plastic circle for tracing the hemispheres, so the child can draw the division rather than be told where it falls. Worked alongside the standard world map, the pair does something neither does alone. Wood with paint, for ages 3 to 6.
“The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”
The World Parts - Asia View puzzle map introduces geography through a perspective that places Asia at the center, acknowledging the diverse cultural contexts of children worldwide.
- Recognizes and names the seven continents through color-coded puzzle pieces
- Develops spatial awareness of continental positions relative to Asia
- Strengthens pincer grip through manipulating knobbed continent pieces
- Builds understanding of Earth's spherical nature through dual-hemisphere format
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This dual-hemisphere design with its two circular puzzles demonstrates Earth's spherical nature in concrete form, moving beyond flat map representations. Each continent piece with its knob handle isolates geographic regions as manipulable objects, transforming abstract political boundaries into tangible puzzle pieces children can grasp, lift, and position. The Asia-centric view of this particular map challenges Western-centered geographic perspectives, offering children from Asian cultures a map where their homeland appears prominently positioned. The color-coding of each continental piece creates visual discrimination opportunities while the circular format of both hemispheres reinforces that Earth has no true 'top' or 'bottom.' Through assembling these hemisphere puzzles, children internalize continental relationships and develop mental maps that acknowledge Earth's three-dimensional reality.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the map on a table mat. Set both hemisphere frames side by side. Remove all continent pieces and arrange them on a tray to the right of the frames.
- 1
Introduce the material by showing how Earth is divided into two halves
Use a globe first to demonstrate how the flat circles represent Earth's sphere - 2
Begin with the Asia-centered hemisphere, identifying and placing Asia first
Let the child feel the shape of Asia with their fingers before placing - 3
Add surrounding continents one at a time, naming each
Use the three-period lesson for continent names: 'This is Africa' - 4
Complete the second hemisphere with remaining continents
Point out how some continents appear in both hemispheres - 5
Remove pieces randomly and invite the child to replace them
Start with removing just 2-3 pieces, gradually increasing difficulty
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
In classrooms
Around the world
European brands
Nienhuis, GAM, Educo
AMI approved
To the association standard
Puzzle Map: World Parts - Asia View
