Kindergarten Geography

Children are given an introduction to physical and cultural geography through the use of wooden puzzle maps, books, artifacts and other activities. Studies about countries and activities with objects and snacks from other countries and international celebrations are all part of our geography units of study.

Physical Geography

The Puzzle maps are specially made maps in the forms of intricate, color-coded, wooden jigsaw puzzles representing the continents, the countries of each continent, and the states of the U.S. Children learn the names of given countries, the continents of the globe, the nations of North America, South America, and Europe, along with most of the states of the U.S.

• Land & Water Formations: materials designed to help the very young child understand basic land and water formations such as island, isthmus, peninsula, strait, lake, cape, bay, etc. At first, they are represented by three-dimensional models of each, complete with water. Then the children learn to recognize the shapes on maps, and learn about examples of each.

• An introduction to humankind's search to understand geologic forces, formations of the oceans and atmosphere, continental drift and tectonic plates, volcanoes, earth quakes, the ice ages and the formation of mountain ranges. (Age 6)

Cultural Geography

• Countries are studied in many ways. A number of festivals may be held each year to focus on specific cultures and to celebrate life together: Anything that the children find interesting is used to help them become familiar with the countries of the world: flags, boundaries, food, climate, traditional dress, houses, major cities, children's toys and games, stamps, coins, traditional foods, art, music, and history. This interweaves through the entire curriculum.

• Study of the regions, culture, and natural resources of the United States, including geography, climate, flora and fauna, major rivers and lakes, capitals, important cities, mountains, people, regional foods, traditions, etc. This begins at age 5 and continues at increasing depth at each level.

• The detailed study of one nation at a time. Focus moves over the years from one continent to another, as the children's interests lead them. All aspects of the nation are considered: geography, climate, flora and fauna, major rivers and lakes, cities, mountains, people, food, religions, etc.