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Eleanor
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| Posted: July 06 2007 at 12:47pm | IP Logged
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Hi,
We're just getting around to ordering puzzle maps. I'm inclined to get the ones that are backless, as designed by MM herself -- but I'm curious as to the rationale for the two approaches, as well as any differences in the way they're presented. My training assumed that we were using the "modern style" maps with Plexiglas backs, and didn't even mention the other kind. Albanesi has a brief mention of the differences on their web site, but to get the details, you have to buy their notes, which cost $35 (and these notes only cover the puzzle maps!).
I'm guessing that the maps with backs are more convenient in that they can be carried and shelved without a tray, but that the backless maps allow for a wider range of tracing activities. But I might be completely off base. Can someone please help with this mystery?
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Mackfam
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| Posted: July 06 2007 at 1:14pm | IP Logged
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Yikes! those are expensive maps!
Not sure how the backless maps would offer any more tracing opportunities than the others. The cost alone would be a deterrent to me. I was looking for accurate, affordable maps that would allow my dc to pursue geography and cultural studies. I'm pleased with the maps we purchased for a number of reasons. I do have children of varying ages that need a firm tray to hold onto when carrying the map to the table. I also have small ones, and I fear the backless maps might be more difficult to keep tidy and keep pieces together than the other maps. I have one son who has a deep desire for order, and a backless puzzle would require a great deal more effort and grace in transferring from place to place. KWIM?
I really have to be honest in that I would have never given these a second look because of the cost. In a home environment, I'm aware that I have to make certain compromises. I do want beautiful, accurate, useful objects in our home. But I also keep in mind that I am looking to facilitate connections. Now, this is just my opinion, but I don't think the back of the puzzle impedes in any way the connection a child will be making as he removes a country to trace and record in his own map booklet. There's got to be a back at some point, whether it's your table, a piece of plex, or the back of the puzzle. Just my 2cents.
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Jen Mackintosh
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Wildflowers and Marbles
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Eleanor
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| Posted: July 06 2007 at 2:57pm | IP Logged
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The backless maps aren't more expensive, in general, than the maps with backs. In fact, it usually seems to be the other way around. (Which makes sense... after all, the backs are an extra part.) The price difference is because Albanesi is a premium supplier of European-made materials. I don't actually plan on ordering from them myself; I only linked to their site because they're the only ones I've found who have any sort of explanation on this subject.
It seems as if most of the discount suppliers only carry the maps with backs (or at least I'm guessing this, as they don't specify it on their web sites), but I'm pretty sure I've seen some cheaper maps that had a backless option. In any case, I'd like to have a clear idea of the pros and cons of each type, as I feel pretty clueless about the maps in general, and this mystery is just adding to it!
Regarding the desire for order -- as far as I've been able to determine, the backless puzzles are kept on trays that are just a little larger than the puzzles. The trays fit right on the cabinet shelves. So, not a huge difference there.
Regarding tracing -- one obvious difference is that, with the backless maps, the child will be able to trace the outline of an entire country/continent before filling it in. Since I'm not familiar with the full range of map activities (especially at the elementary level), I can't say how important this is. It seems as if most schools these days are using the maps with backs, so I doubt that the children's entire educational future hangs in the balance. 
Anyway, I'm really just curious to know the differences in how they're used, e.g. from someone who's been trained to use the backless ones (or has an album that explains it). Maybe I could try e-mailing Lori? This question really is driving me batty... I've been "puzzling" over it for days. <groan>
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AndreaG
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| Posted: July 06 2007 at 3:02pm | IP Logged
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I seem to remember hearing from someone who attended a montessori school as a child that the backless ones could be used with a labeled control map to help the kids learn the names of the countries/capitals etc. The control map could be switched out (ie one would have the name of the countries, another the names of the capitals, another pictures of flags). I thought that sounded cool, but I suppose you could just have then put the pieces on a control map without the frame.
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Eleanor
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| Posted: July 06 2007 at 3:22pm | IP Logged
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AndreaG wrote:
| I seem to remember hearing from someone who attended a montessori school as a child that the backless ones could be used with a labeled control map to help the kids learn the names of the countries/capitals etc. The control map could be switched out (ie one would have the name of the countries, another the names of the capitals, another pictures of flags). I thought that sounded cool, but I suppose you could just have then put the pieces on a control map without the frame. |
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Thanks, Andrea. It seems as if this would work with the Plexiglas backs, too, unless the children needed/wanted to write on the control maps while they were under the frame.
I had thought that the backs were always made from Plexiglas, but, from what you and Jennifer have said, it sounds like some of the suppliers sell maps with wooden/opaque backs. Is this correct? If so, then there are three variations... and I'm even more confused. 
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Mackfam
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| Posted: July 06 2007 at 3:31pm | IP Logged
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Eleanor -
My backs are wooden - certainly not a transparent substance for your efforts with the control maps underneath. I haven't come across any (other than those on the Albanesi site) with plex backs, or the backless option. Have you checked Michael Olaf? I'm not sure of their prices.
I would suggest checking with Lori!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Eleanor
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| Posted: July 06 2007 at 3:40pm | IP Logged
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I'm doing a little research into map options and prices, and will post my results ASAP.
Meanwhile, I found this really neat site that I wanted to share:
http://www.thepuzzleman.com/MAPS.html
They have a wide variety of wooden puzzle maps, including county maps of US states. All the puzzles are handmade in the USA, and prices range from $40 - $60.
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4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: Puzzle maps with/without backs?
