Geography 101

I put out a public promise a few days ago that I would show off our new maps and geography curriculum. So-here is a brief explanation and my lousy photography...

We are currently using Trail Guide to World Geography and the Student Notebook. For the last few years Clemmie and Spencer have been studying countries but now we are going back to review countries and add the next level-capitals. To this end we have divided the countries into manageable blocks of about 8-12 countries and capitals per list. We have tied the lists to different continents so we can correspond to the organizational scheme in TGWG. Previously we began by teaching the larger countries and working our way around the world by what was easiest to remember.

Finally we have a space big enough to hang a world map (rather than spreading it out on the table) so we have the National Geographic Laminated World and US Maps (in earth tones because it lends a nice old world feel and looks better in the house. The maps are hole punched and reinforced then hung on picture hooks. Next comes one of my favorite finds-"Job Ticket Holders". These are basically extra strong page protectors that are open on the top and have a single hole punched in them. I have put the Country/Capital list for world geography in one and hung it by a string from the world map hook. The US map is waiting for us to begin US history but currently has a Job Ticket Holder with a list of the 13 Original Colonies and a brief sentence about each. I added this since after watching the HBO John Adams Clemmie and Spencer wanted to identify the Original Colonies. (Ok- a modern map doesn't quite cover this but its a good start.)

I should add the obvious-hung at the students eye level and just beyond Winston's grasp for the next couple weeks.

NEW INFO: Maps have been field tested. We wrote some general information on the map with a wet erase marker (Vis a Vis) and left it for at least a week. We then erased with a damp paper towel and dried/shined the map with a dry paper towel. I am pleased to report that their are no permanent marks or residue.