Why learn geography? Geography, the study of people, places, movement, regions, and human/environment interaction, is a skill important to kids. In an age of GPS systems, learning geography matters. Kids need the critical thinking skills that geography helps instill in them. As a parent, I see the value in teaching my children about the world around them. From a young age, kids learn about their local community, and as they expand their understanding to include the world as a community, they become global citizens, ready to make a positive difference in the world.

How to Make Learning Geography Fun

1.) Play, don’t drill.

Toss the worksheets, and use a more creative approach to learning. Educational Insights sent me their Talking Globe for free to try out in my writing. Previously, I’ve used the early education model of the talking globe, which still works great. To teach effectively, make learning fun, regardless of the age. The talking globe geared towards older kids has details and colors that convey a lot of valuable information. Since the globe offers more to learn, kids are less likely to get bored. Playing the Talking Globe game makes using a globe more interactive.

My younger daughter Georgiana swiped my phone and took this picture of the two globes. You can see that the globe for older children, on the right, offers greater detail and more features. Both globes are very engaging and fun.

2.) Explore places together.

Go out and explore the world! Seeing places creates a long lasting understanding. When you travel, point out road signs and historic sites. Experience builds knowledge. After you travel, point out your travels on your globe.

3.) Use maps in every day life.

Show how useful maps can be. Explain how the map key and symbols on a mall map works. Examine a zoo map before watching the animals. Use art supplies to create a map of your neighborhood. Put your neighborhood map to use as you take a walk.

4.) Embrace culture as a family.

Visit cultural events. Attending plays, concerts, and food festivals helps kids get a greater understanding of the culture that defines a place. Revisit your globe after attending a cultural event. Discuss tradition and how different cultures have different traditions. Point out places you learn about on the globe.

5.) Volunteer to help the environment.

Working in nature helps kids understand that the choices they make impact the environment. Join a volunteer group to create a neighborhood garden or to clean a nearby body of water. Show that keeping the earth clean matters, and encourage kids to be activists for a cleaner world.