One of the joys of maps is just taking time to sit and look at one. Search your atlases and the web for a fascinating one. Maybe go for one of those several centuries old where the continents are misshapen because of lack of exploration. Just sit and stare a while. Make it a discovery exercise. What have you not heard of? What looks odd? Take in the pattern of things. Find a kid who collects stamps. Have them show off the collection and learn about the places. You might also find an adult stamp collector; most are ready to show off the collection and talk about places. But just staring is quiet time. It is time to think about what you see and want to know about. I love a good world map, myself. Try a nice Mercator.
