How We Homeschool Geography
If you’ve grown up where Geography was just memorizing countries and capitals of the world and looking through maps and atlases (although that’s great fun too) you could be surprised what adding geography to your homeschool could bring on top of that.
Incorporating the teaching of physical and human geography into our homeschooling curriculum goes beyond the mere memorization of facts. It provides our children with a deep appreciation for the Earth’s wonders, a profound understanding of the world’s cultures, and the skills to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape. By nurturing their spatial awareness, cultural competence, critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and sense of belonging, we equip our children with the tools they need to become compassionate, knowledgeable, and engaged global citizens. Let us embark on this journey together, inspiring our children to explore the world and make a positive impact wherever their paths may lead.
Why Study Geography? Raising Global Citizens
It’s crucial not to overlook the significance of teaching physical and human geography. Understanding the interconnectedness of our planet and the diversity of its inhabitants is key to raising compassionate, informed, and globally aware individuals. There are many reasons why teaching geography, beyond just memorizing continents, oceans, countries, and cities, is essential for our children’s holistic education.
1. Connecting Local Environment and the Wider World
Physical geography introduces children to the natural features and processes that shape our planet. By studying landforms, weather patterns, and ecosystems, children gain a deeper understanding of their surroundings. This knowledge enhances their ability to read maps, interpret geographical data, and make connections between their local environment and the larger world.
2. Cultivating Cultural Competence
Human geography focuses on how people and their cultures interact with the physical environment. Teaching our children about different cultures, languages, traditions, and customs helps them develop cultural competence and empathy. It broadens their perspectives, instilling a respect for diversity and a willingness to embrace other ways of life. By understanding the challenges and triumphs of people across the globe, our children become global citizens equipped with the skills necessary to collaborate and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
3. Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills
Geography fosters critical thinking skills by encouraging children to analyze complex issues and make informed decisions. Studying the interplay between physical and human geography helps them understand the socio-economic, political, and environmental factors that shape our world. They learn to consider multiple perspectives, evaluate evidence, and form well-rounded opinions. These skills are not only essential for geography but also transferable to other subjects and real-life situations.
4. Nurturing Environmental Stewardship
Teaching geography empowers children to become environmental stewards by highlighting the importance of sustainable practices. Through lessons on climate change, natural resource management, and conservation efforts, children learn about the delicate balance between human activities and the Earth’s ecosystems. By understanding the impact of their actions, they become conscientious global citizens who are committed to preserving and protecting our planet for future generations.
5. Fostering a Sense of Belonging
Studying geography can provide children with a sense of belonging and identity. Exploring their local region’s geography and history helps them develop a connection to their roots. Simultaneously, learning about other parts of the world sparks curiosity and inspires a sense of adventure. By appreciating their own cultural heritage and embracing the diversity of the global community, children can confidently navigate the world while celebrating their unique identities.
Adding Geography into your Homeschool
For us, as a family, it was really important that our kids learn more about the world and how they are part of it. From the classical general geographical knowledge of places through to more current events like climate change and deforestation.
We found it easy to add to our rhythms and weekly routines and have completed 3 geography unit studies per year since we started. Mixing in a variety of areas from classical geography, to physical and more on the human side. My husband who has a Geography degree has helped to make sure that all of our bases are covered and we are providing fun and interesting activities that encourage our kids to learn more.
If you want to add more diverse geography into your homeschool we have 2 different ways we’re producing FREE Geography Unit Studies that you will find all of the activities, resources, and ideas here on Rainy Day Homeschooling which are put together nicely to form a Homeschool Geography Curriculum.
Just mix and match where you would like to focus, some units cover both areas physical and human for example our continent, countries, and area units. Other’s are more aligned with Physical Geography or Human Geography.
Geography Unit Studies
We’re putting together the unit studies here so bookmark the page and return or subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll let you know when new unit studies are live.
Units Covering Physical and Human Geography
Why not explore some of these unit studies which combine aspects of both human and physical geography.
Physical Geography Unit Studies
Looking for a focus on physical geography these unit studies cover areas that cross over nicely with Earth Sciences and Biology.
Human Geography Unit Studies
Learn about the way that people live, why they live where they do, how they interact and the effect they have on the environment around them.
Geography Activities
If you would like instead to find specific activities you can use the search engine below to search for different areas and topics.
