Radio Commentary
Children use all of their senses to learn about the world around them.
The objects that they can touch, see, smell, taste, and hear all help them understand the link between a model and the real thing that it represents.
A good example is a map, which represents landmasses. Using information from maps and models can help guide your children to a better understanding of the concepts of geography.
For example: Find puzzles of the United States, the world, or even California. By touching and looking at the puzzle pieces, children can get a better understanding of where one place is located in relation to others.
Point out where your home is located and then point out where a distant relative or friend lives. Show how far away it is and what route you would travel to get there.
It also helps to use pictures from magazines to help your children associate geographic terms with visual images.
A picture of a desert, for example, can stimulate conversation about the features of a desert—dry and barren.
Identifying lakes and rivers can start discussions about wildlife and early settlers.
Talk about many different places with your children and help them imagine what it would be like to visit them.
All these discussions help children get a solid concept of geography and why it is important.
