Ann Voskamp may be widely known for One Thousand Gifts, but our homeschool has benefited from one of her other, maybe lesser-known, books as well – A Child’s Geography: Explore His Earth.
We’ve used this resource about 4th/5th grade as an introduction to earth and space science by reading generally and completing the more hands-on activities.
Then again about 8th grade as a deeper study, exploring more of the handy resource list provided within.
As a parent who began homeschooling a little weak in the sciences, especially from a Creationist point of view — I love and appreciate A Child’s Geography!
What’s In A Child’s Geography?
Written in a narrative style, the text is suitable as a read-aloud (really!) for a wide age group (my younger children have listened along and enjoyed parts). Always pointing toward God as the great designer of where we live, A Child’s Geography contains 11 chapters. I like how the author titles these!
A few examples:
- Auntie Em, There’s no Place like Home! (Intro to His World)
- Peeling an Onion (The Lower Atmosphere)
- Falling Through the Sky (The Upper Atmosphere)
- Puzzle Directions (The Continents)
How fun, right? The remaining chapters cover:
The Oceans, Seasons, Climate and Weather, Structure of the Earth, Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Latitude and Longitude.
Many Other Resources:
Beside the readings, provided throughout the chapters there are additional resources:
- Supplemental Reading Lists – excellent titles for grade 2 and up
- Narration prompts & Copywork for various levels
- Reaching Out sections – encouragement to put knowledge into practice by being Christ’s hands and heart to a hurting world.
- Hands-On Activities – make an edible earth or any other of the many options!
This book goes beyond just basic info and tackles meatier aspects on earth and space — yet it can be made appropriate for elementary or junior high. No specific scheduling is required, suggested as 2x or just once a week to complete in a year.
As a parent, I’ve appreciate a God-centered approach to studying the Earth without comprising excellence in presentation of facts.
A Child’s Geography is a favorite resource in our line-up of science books!
Another A Child’s Geography Review
“Engaging, conversational chapters expand a child’s understanding of atmosphere and climate, continents and earthquakes, maps and oceans, and more. The Scriptures scattered throughout are an integral part of the text.”
“My favorite parts are the Reaching Out segments, because they include tangible ways to minister to our neighbors on this spinning sphere. Geography is God’s handwriting on the earth he created, so it is fitting to intertwine his loving purpose while studying. Ann Voskamp does this eloquently and practically.”
~ Originally published July 2012, this post is written by Daniele, a homeschooling Mama of 5
Daniele, we enjoyed this curriculum, too! I love the way Ann explains geographical concepts, making it easy for younger children to understand.