Every Story Has a Setting—Let’s Explore It!
What Are Reading Treks?
TeachersFirst Reading Treks transform literature into immersive, map-based journeys using Google My Maps. Each Trek invites readers to explore the settings, events, and themes of a story through interactive points of interest on the map, each enriched with images, historical context, and multimedia content.
Whether you're teaching emerging readers, multilingual learners, or students unfamiliar with a story’s time period or geography, Reading Treks offer a powerful scaffold that builds curiosity, deepens comprehension, and makes abstract ideas tangible—turning reading into an adventure.
Why They Matter
Reading Treks don’t just map out a story—they provide essential context for readers who may struggle with decoding, background knowledge, or engagement. By anchoring literature in real- world locations and timelines, Reading Treks help students:
- Grasp historical and cultural settings,
- Connect emotionally with characters and events,
- Explore unfamiliar places through images and links to websites, videos and other artifacts, and
- Engage with extension activities that spark inquiry and creativity.
These journeys are especially impactful for readers who benefit from multimodal learning and differentiated supports.
What’s Included in Each Trek?
Every Reading Trek comes with two key components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Teacher Guide (PDF) | Each teacher guide includes grade level information, standards alignment, discussion prompts, project ideas, and extension activities—both tech-based and unplugged |
| Interactive Map (Direct link or KMZ) |
The maps feature layered points of interest with pop-ups that include images, explanations, and links to deepen understanding. |
Note: Most educators will find the direct map link easiest to use, but the KMZ file is available if you’re interested in customizing our map or creating your own. Download the KMZ file to your computer, then follow these directions from Google to import and edit it in Google My Maps.
How to Use Reading Treks
- Choose a Reading Trek by searching by title, keyword, or grade range. (Tip: Grade ranges vary by district, so explore broadly!)
- Preview the teacher guide to select activities that fit your classroom goals.
- Open the map to explore the story’s journey and determine how the map will best support your learners.
- Share the map with your students—project it on your whiteboard or digital panel, share it through your LMS, or add the link to a homework sheet or a newsletter for parents.
- Extend the experience with discussions, projects, and cross-curricular connections.
Powered by Teachers, Designed for Learners
TeachersFirst Reading Treks are created for educators by educators and feature free resources curated with care. You can check the book out from any library or purchase the book through your favorite bookseller.