Although they don't know it, these children are learning the principles of geography. They are seeing how people interact with the Earth, manipulating the environment, learning how climate changes the character of a place, and looking at how places relate to each other through the movement of things from one place to another.
This article provides ideas for activities that will use your children's play to help them learn more geography--the study of the Earth. Most of the suggestions are geared to children from 5 to 10 years of age. Keep in mind, however, that youngsters vary widely in their development, and others--younger and older--may find the activities appropriate.
The activities and games are organized around five specific themes that help focus our thinking:
- Where are things located?
- What characteristics make a place special?
- What are relationships among people and places?
- What are the patterns of movement of people, products, and information?
- How can the Earth be divided into regions for study?
Each chapter begins with some background and examples of questions that geographers use as they strive to understand the Earth. This is followed by activities to help children learn key ideas.
Follow the"Door to Geography" for your journey by clicking on "Next Page" or choose from the "Table of Contents."
Table of Contents
- Location: Position on the Earth's Surface
- Place: Physical and Human Characteristics
- Relationships Within Places: Humans and Environments
- Movement: People Interacting on the Earth
- Regions: How They Form and Change
- Conclusion
- Maps of Salt Lake City, Utah
- Glossary
- Suggested Reading
- Internet Resources
- Free or Inexpensive Materials
Courtesy of Education Publications Center
