The Ultimate Geography & Timeline Guide
Review
Review by Cathy Duffy as seen in her new book: 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum published by Broadman and Holman Publishing © 2005.This excerpt is printed with permission from Cathy Duffy:
It takes a little time to explore the wealth of options found here. The first section, “Planning Your Destination,” suggests basic teaching methods, describes notebooks that students might create, and recommends basic supplies. Chapter 2 is a sort of primer course in geography-hopefully as a refresher for most of us. It covers basic terminology and concepts, including the five themes of geography identified by the national standards group for geography. Hogan and Wiggers show us how to incorporate the five themes into our studies. Next is a section on maps: different types, how to use them, map games, and more. All this is in just the first of six units!
The second unit focuses on fun, games, and food as tools for teaching and enjoying geography. Unit four presents what most people think of as the nuts and bolts of geography: lesson directions and data on geographical features, climate, vegetation, etc. Lesson ideas are divided into those for middle school and those for high school.
Reproducible maps and activity sheets for games, weather reports, research, and other activities described in this book comprise the next two sections. The final unit is all about creating a timeline and includes hundreds of reproducible figures for your own timeline.
In addition to all this, the book includes an answer key, a glossary, an index (very useful with a book such as this), and lists of additional resources you might want to use.
In my opinion this approach to geography will be far more interesting than a standard text on the subject. The fact that one book does it all for every grade level makes it even more appealing.
Also read Cathy's reviews of Christian Kids Explore Biology and The Mystery of History.