Elementary Geography
on Goodreads (159)
What’s inside...
Charlotte Mason revolutionised school learning with her educational philosophy. In her quest to provide her students with only the best books she sometimes had to write her own. Presented with the original illustrations and student questions, this book is sure to bring geography alive for all students, no matter their age.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-13
Length
103 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of the different landscapes described in 'Elementary Geography'? How do you think living in those places would be?
Can you think of any ways that geography affects how people live, such as their homes, food, or traditions?
Charlotte M. Mason talks about various parts of the world. Which place would you like to learn more about and why?
How does understanding geography help us appreciate different cultures and environments?
If you could create a new land, what geographical features would it have and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own favorite geographical location or a travel experience and encourage them to share theirs.
Use a globe or map during the discussion to locate places mentioned in the book to visually connect the information.
Relate the geographical concepts to the child's own environment, like comparing their local weather to climates in the book.
Encourage creative thinking by asking the child to imagine how living in another part of the world might affect their daily activities.
Praise their insights and curiosity, making the learning process exciting and rewarding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Diversity
Explanation: Elementary Geography introduces young readers to different cultures and places around the world, fostering a sense of global awareness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences in cultures and practices, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book discusses various natural phenomena and geographical features, educating children about the environment.
Real-World Application: This knowledge encourages children to be mindful of their surroundings and promotes environmentally friendly behaviors such as recycling and conservation.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Through its engaging content on world geography, the book stimulates curiosity and a desire for knowledge about the world.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can lead to a lifelong love of learning that can help children excel academically and personally.
Example Lesson: Map Reading Skills
Explanation: Elementary Geography includes maps and introduces basic cartography, which is foundational for understanding geography.
Real-World Application: Learning to read and interpret maps can help children with spatial thinking, planning routes, and understanding their physical world better.
Example Lesson: Cognitive Development
Explanation: The book challenges children to think critically about spatial relationships and geographical concepts.
Real-World Application: These skills can enhance problem-solving abilities and help in subjects such as math, science, and technology.