Unit Study: Geopgraphy

 In August and September, we had a really fun time studying geography! We read the Greetings from Somewhere series, featuring Ethan and Ella, two homeschooled siblings who travel the world with their parents. We found each country on the globe, read books about those countries, and did various activities related to them. We also listened to music from each different country, which was not only very fun, but broadened our listening tastes. 

Here are the books we read:

50 Maps of the World, by Ben Handicott
Benjamin Blog: France, by Anita Ganeri
E is for Eiffel Tower, by Helen Wilbur
Greetings from Somewhere: Mystery of the Stolen Painting, by Harper Paris
What a Map Can Do, by Gabrielle Balkan
Hector Fox and the Map of Mystery, by Astrid Sheckels
Me on the Map, by Joan Sweeny
Greetings from Somewhere: Mystery of the Mosaic, by Harper Paris
Living in Italy, by Chloe Perkins
Greetings from Somewhere: Mystery of the Forbidden City, by Harper Paris
Benjamin Blog: China, by Anita Ganeri
From here to there: a first book of maps, by Vivian French
Infographic: guide to the globe, by Eliza Berkowitz
Where I live: a first geography book for young children in the state of Pennsylvania, by Debra Hervits
Greetings from Somewhere: Mystery of the Lion’s Tale, by Harper Paris
Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya, by Donna Jo Napoli
Kenya, by Jessica Dean
Greetings from Somewhere: The Mystery Across the Secret Bridge, by Harper Paris
Greetings from Somewhere: Mystery at the Coral Reef, by Harper Paris
Living in Australia, by Chloe Perkins
Benjamin Blog: Australia, by Anita Ganeri

In addition to learning about specific countries, we also learned about maps and other general geography concepts. Pumpkin was challenged to learn the different continents and oceans of the world. She memorized these on her own using our world map shower curtain. Yes, I know it sounds funny, but I've heard from seasoned homeschoolers that one of the easiest ways to teach something you don't care to teach yourself is to put it in the bathroom! It's been very effective, and it looks cute too!

We spent some time studying how maps work, and made maps of our own. After reading Me on the Map, we made this flip book and discussed the difference between streets, cities, states, countries, etc.

Along with the travel theme, we decided to take a poll of our friends and family to see what types of travel destinations people prefer. We made a graph of our findings, and Dad taught Pumpkin how to put the data in a spreadsheet and make a graph on the computer.

Honestly, I never knew that geography could be fun, but we all really enjoyed this unit study. It also laid a great foundation for future areas of study!