Often times, Geography is not stressed upon or just touched
briefly in the school systems. Geography may not be the most exciting subject; however,
it is important to teach. It touches on both psychical features of the earth
(mountains, rivers, deserts etc…) and the ways people affect and are affected
by our natural world. Here are some tips to engage your child and make them
interested in Geography!
1. Puzzles
There are a ton of geography puzzles available for all age
ranges! Puzzles are a great way to get your child critically thinking about
which piece goes where. It also gives them a sense of accomplishment as well as
something for them to see with their own eyes.
· 2. Experiments/
Crafts
In order to teach them the physical science aspect of geography,
try doing some experiments or crafts with them. Experiments never fail to intrigue
a child and crafts help bring out their artistic side. Try making an ocean in a
bottle with these few steps and materials.
Materials:
- water
- cooking
oil (we used canola, but vegetable would work well)
- blue
food coloring
- large
bottle (2-liter pop bottles work well, but we used a mouthwash bottle with
a child-safe lid)
- funnel
Directions:
1. Fill approximately 1/3 of bottle with water.
2. Add several drop of food coloring.
3. Have your child shake the bottle to disperse the food coloring.
1. Fill approximately 1/3 of bottle with water.
2. Add several drop of food coloring.
3. Have your child shake the bottle to disperse the food coloring.
Another way to teach your kids geography is by creating some
map games. There are a few ways do to this. One fun activity is to give kids a piece of
paper, some colored pencils, and maybe a ruler. Ask them to create their own
map. It can be an imaginary place. Ask them to include geographical features
such as mountains, roads, forests, bodies of water, or other features. Help
them create a legend at the end and color it all in!
A second game to play is “spin the globe”. One person holds
the globe and spins it, and another person has to close their eye with their
finger on the globe. When the person closing their eyes says “stop,” the person
spinning has to stop. The person who closed their eyes has to name where their pointing to.This game may be for older kids, or if you would like to make it geared towards
younger kids, have them name the letter in the continent, ocean, country or
state.
·
4. Books
Books are always a wonderful and educational way to engaged
a child on any sort of subject. Geography books are everywhere, but perhaps switch
it up and find a book that is set in a different country or location and have
them try to find what country they are talking on a map or a globe! After that
challenge your child to tell you some things they remembered from the book
(excellent to help them recall and critically think!)
All the suggestions above do not cost much, or you might
already have some items at home! Geography is something you can incorporate
into some at home free time or learning. It is important to remember that learning does
not have to be boring and there are always ways to make uninteresting subjects
seem fun!
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