Geography for Kids - What Is My Home Like?

Early experiences can increase kid's awareness of the world around them. Learning about geography begins with kid's ability to notice, examine, and think about their own environment. As very young children have direct experiences in their home and immediate environment, they will be able to build more accurate concepts of the Earth. These experiences will be useful when children move to the next stage of thinking.

Ages 4-5

• Walk around your neighborhood, looking at what is there and talking about it. Describe the surfaces on which you walk--"the grass feels soft," "concrete is hard, so cars can drive on it," "gravel feels bumpy under our feet." Encourage children to use their senses to become aware of the things that make up their world.
  
  
• As you walk with your children, point out the different types of houses, porches, sidewalks, and even streets. Play "I Spy" by saying, "I spy something red" and then have your children look around to find what you are "spying." When one of them guesses correctly, he or she can become the "spy" and think of something for you to find.
  
  
• Look at the soil, plants, insects, birds, and other animal life. Ask what things you find most often in your neighborhood. What does the soil look like? Are there rocks and pebbles? Look at their shape, color, and size and describe them.
  
  
• How many birds and animals can you find in your neighborhood? Where do they live? Discuss what they might eat.
  
  
• Encourage your kids to role play and don't be afraid to participate with them. You can pretend you are explorers walking on rocks over a make--believe creek. Have them hop on imaginary camels and wander into the kitchen--oasis for a glass of water.