Geography is a simple addition in homeschooling.
Several months ago, before our school year geared up, I realized that this year I needed to concentrate for on geography. I already had a good atlas for young children, so I purchased a slightly more sophisticated one with more country facts, a detailed atlas of our country, and a lot of contact paper.
Really, it has been an evolution throughout the year. I worked with my first grader to learn the seven continents and four major oceans. My third grader is exploring our nation and learning all 50 states. My preschooler is learning left from right and north from south,
Lately, our home is becoming covered in maps. We already had an awesome shower curtain map of the world hanging on our school room wall. Now, there is a U.S map on the bathroom wall with weekly challenges (like, "can you name all the states on the East Coast"). in our minivan, the 1st and 3rd graders trade maps of Africa and the world, both covered in sturdy contact paper.
We pull out the atlas for any subject that names a place.
Best of all, together with about four other families, we are part of a Geography Club. The kids meet two times a month to learn about a different country. The moms take turns teaching. We do not follow any particular curriculum, but take what we glean from many sources. One of the most fun has been the pre-class activity. About one week before we meet, the teaching mom has been emailing the kids clues about the country to be taught. All the kids have had fun researching. So far, we have covered Hungary, Belgium, Austria, and Paraguay. We have tasted Austrian chocolate, made little Hungarian crafts, and feasted in Helado de Pina from Paraguay. What fun!
So, take the challenge. Teaching your child geography is a great learning tool, and good for moms and dads, as well! Check out our article on Basic Homeschool Geography.
