Children's Wayfinding: Response to Instructions To Use Environmental Landmarks

The paths taken by 6- and 12-year-old children who were asked to lead the way back after their first walk across a university campus were recorded. Prior to the return, children were either uninformed of the requirement to lead the way back, generally informed, or shown specific near or far landmarks during the walk. In comparison with uninformed children, neither age group prepared adequately in response to the general admonition, "You will have to lead us back here, so pay good attention." Analyses of distance traveled on route and choices at important intersections indicated that both age groups benefited when two landmarks on the path (a telephone booth and a mailbox) had been pointed out. Analyses of distance traveled off route indicated that 12-year-old, but not 6-year-old children, wandered less when distant orientation cues (a smokestack and a building on the skyline) had been pointed out. The results suggest a prudent prescription for parents who are concerned about their child's independent travel: Specify route features where the child should continue or change heading.