Reading and Writing Adventures:
The World We Live In
By Brenda Hyde
Kid's love to color and draw, so why not take advantage
of their interest in being creative to teach them something
about the world around them?
Since my youngest son was small he's loved maps of all
types and has developed an interest in geography. The
following are some fun and easy things we like to do to
teach the kids about geography without spending a lot
of money and allowing them to be creative!
The most simple activity is to print out black and white
maps that can be colored. They have some good
quality free printable maps here
Let each child pick a state or country that they would like
to know more about and help them research it online. I
like using Google.com , but I always recommend that you
help them search to make sure the websites they use are
appropriate. They might visit the Chamber of Commerce,
tourism organizations, or other state websites that give
information about the area. Let them compare parks, stores,
museums in that state to what you have at home. Does it
seem more interesting? How is it different? Check weather
forecasts in the state, and things like the state flower, flag
and the state animal.
If you have friends or relatives in other states ask the kids
to "plot" out a trip there. Give them an atlas or the various
state maps-you can get these free from tourism groups
or check out atlases from the library. Have them figure
the mileage and how long it would take it you were driving
a certain speed. Sneak some math in there! Have them
type it up on the computer and print out the pages to make
a travel book with all the details of the trip.
Ask family and friends to send you travel brochures,
pages from their local papers or other things they
think would help the kids see what the area is like
and how it compares to where you live. My kids have
pen pals in another state and we send them items
we gather when we go to our museums and zoo.
Lastly, to add a little extra fun to the day make a
recipe from a particular state or country and have
the kids look it up on an atlas! Here is a simple one:
Mississippi Mud Cake
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoon cocoa
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup nuts
1 cup coconut
small jar marshmallow cream
Preheat oven 350 degrees. Cream together butter
and sugar. Beat in eggs and add vanilla. Sift together
flour and cocoa. Add dry ingredients, nuts and coconut
to the egg mixture and beat well. Bake for 30 to 40
minutes. Remove from oven and spread marshmallow
cream over hot cake. Allow to cool completely and frost.
Frosting
Ingredients:
1/4 stick butter
1 pound confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Add all ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth.
Help your kids to become curious about different
parts of the country and the world. It helps them to
see that people are different and interesting, yet they
are also much the same, no matter where they live!
Recommended Books:
Amazing Pop-up Geography Book by Kate Petty and Jennie Maizels: This truly is an amazing
book and one the kids will love! Combine geography with an interactive
format and they'll remember what they learn.
Geography Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit: A little pricey, but a great way to
help older kids create their own atlas by coloring the pages themselves.
Over 200 pages of detailed maps with descriptions. Very hands-on!
Children Just Like Me
from DK Publishing, Inc.: A great introduction to different
cultures and countries through the eyes of children. Not only is this
a wonderful geography themed book, but it helps teach us about
other cultures.
About The Author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife, mom to three and a freelance writer living in the rural Midwest United States. She is also editor
and owner of OldFashionedLiving.com.
