Our Homeschool Geography Plan
Beginning in January, we decided to focus on Geography as we finish off the year.  I will select one continent each month to focus on. This month we are studying the continent of South America, but this same basic format is the plan through May.
Our Monthly Geography Plan
First, I will print a large map for the wall as well as individual maps for each of my kids.  Your Child Learns is a site with many geography resources and a perfect place to bring try large maps at home on your printer.  You can select a variety of sizes and then tape the pages together.  I like a 3 sheets x 3 sheets map.
During the first week of the month, we will label the countries and capital cities, following along with the readings in our National Geographic Kids Atlas and the Usborne Children’s World Atlas.  The National Geographic Atlas divides each continent into regions with informational readings for each section. After reading about a particular section during our afternoon book bin reading time, we will color in our maps.  The Usborne Atlas also includes great information about the continent, including landmarks, so we will continue our informational reading in this atlas as well.
Our study during the second week of the month will be used to label other geographical features on our map. Â Rivers, lakes, mountain ranges, and other notable features will be selected. Â I’ll choose from notable features in our atlas and readings as well as features that my husband selects as he holds a geography degree.
During our third and fourth weeks, each of my kids will be asked to research an individual country on the continent we are studying.  They will be required to report the information to the rest of us at the end of the fourth week in some form or fashion.  They might write a report, create a powerpoint, or design an informational booklet or travel brochure.  The sky is the limit!
Every week fiction and non-fiction books will be included in our afternoon book bin!  I will purposefully seek out tales, stories, and informational books related to the culture of the various countries located on our current continent.  My goal is also to incorporate a few recipes or restaurants that reflect the foods found around the globe.  A themed dinner or tea time each month would be bonus!
This is a basic format each month that should work for our family as we finish this school year and work our way around the globe.
She believes that creativity, laughter, and fun are the backbone for engaging and inspiring homeschools. You can find her encouragement and tips on this blog, Mary Hanna Wilson.
She is an enneagram 7 and an extrovert. She enjoys traveling, tea (iced or hot), good conversations, and books. You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
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Hi Mary! I am gearing up for a geography intense year next year and I absolutely LOVE the ideas you listed here. I’m going to try to do this plan with my kids. Thank you for all you share!