For as long as I can remember I have loved maps. As a child, in college and now as a homeschooler I have always had a map of the U.S. or the world on my wall. So naturally I LOVE geography. My children are also gaining the same appreciation.
Story of the World is our history curriculum and one of the children’s favorite parts is each chapter has map work. So they are asked to locate things and places on the map and color them according to the instructions. The whole curriculum is a lot of fun.
In addition, I have also come across some great resources to help teach U.S. Geography as well. For the last couple of years I have been downloading some great resources for my preschooler from Confessions of a Homeschooler.
Since then she has created a curriculum all about the United States called Road Trip U.S.A.
The pdf is over 250 pages covering the following:
- Geographical Locations
- State Symbols
- Mapping & Atlas Skills
- Famous Landmarks
- Historical Figures
- Historical Events
- Food and Recipes
- Craft Activities
- US Presidents
- The Constitution
- Revolutionary War
- Underground Railroad
- Pioneers
- Westward Expansion
- State Reports
- State Jeopardy
- State & Capital Flashcards
It is also fun because it includes a travel journal to record what states have been studied, flashcards to help in the learning process and a jeopardy game to review! This curriculum says it is best for children grades K through 4.
Another fun resource that I have acquired over time is Cantering the Country.
This fun curriculum covers each state individually. The co op we participate in has been using this curriculum and my kids really enjoy it. I bought it when we were unable to make co op and plan to use it this summer to catch up on the states we missed. Here is a summary of what is included:
- Geography – Learn basic geography of each state through terms, mapping, & more.
- Science – Learn science by studying the state flowers, trees, animals, and birds.
- Language Arts – Explore language arts as you read literature set in each state.
- Character – Build character by learning to apply the principles of the preamble to the constitution of each state.
- History – Bring history alive with the stories of famous people, founding fathers and Native American groups from around the country.
This curriculum is for grades 1 – 5. A yummy companion to this book is Eat Your Way Through the U.S.A.
Other resources I have stumbled upon are:
Intellego Unit Studies K-2 Geography: Across the United States
A to Z Kids Stuff, Netstate, and Pratt’s Educational Resources with a lot of information about each state.
Easy Fun School which has a variety of little projects like create a state infodesk, build a mini museum, craft ideas and recipes.
And the song Fifty Nifty United States – you have learn that!!
So go explore and have fun! We do not get to travel much but that does not mean you cannot explore. Another idea is to internet search each state’s tourist brochures and welcome packets – most states even send a state map for free!