A Child’s Geography by Ann Voskamp :: Earth & Space Science in Narrative Style

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 & also on a CD-rom included are:

• Supplemental Reading Lists – excellent titles for grade 2 and up
• Narration prompts & Copywork for various levels
• Notebooking (templates provided on CD-rom)
• 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.

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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!

{this post is written by Daniele of Domestic Serenity, a homeschooling Mama of 5}