Geography Adventure
Here's What To Do
Choose a natural landmark near your community to visit (like: rivers, ponds, mountains, valleys, oceans, caves, waterfalls, parks, forests, etc.). Bring snacks and clothes for outdoor play.
Once you arrive at your destination, show your child things you notice about the environment.
Let your child explore the area as independently as possible. Ask them if things you see are "near" or "far."
Take pictures of your adventure (or draw the scenery). At bedtime, look back at the pictures and talk about what you saw.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- With your child, close your eyes and notice the sounds all around you. Tell your child about the sounds you're hearing, and ask what they're hearing.
Engage:
- "Mateo, see the river? The river ends here but it starts a long way away from here. I'm noticing how there are tall cliffs on one side of the river, but on this side of the river it's flat."
- "Is the bridge near or far?"
Encourage:
- Children this age like exploring with all their senses. If possible, let them touch natural features like water, mud, rocks and sand, and encourage them to smell flowers and plants.
- If your child seems interested in a particular area, let them spend some time playing there.
Reflect:
- Tell your child why you liked exploring with them. Ask them what they liked about your adventure.
Not quite ready?
While your child might not understand everything you show them on your adventure, they are still learning how to explore a new place.
Ready for more?
Ask your child to describe the natural landmarks they see.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to explore a place with an adult.