Geography: A Literature Approach presents an ideal way to teach geography, in my opinion. Rea Berg has selected the wonderful Holling books, Paddle to the Sea, Minn of the Mississippi, Tree in the Trail, and Seabird to teach geography along with history and science to children in grades three through seven. These books are wonderful classics that homeschoolers should add to their library, and this course gives you the perfect excuse to do so.
The course consists of the full-color guide, the four books, and four large maps printed on very heavy paper. (You should have children color and write on the maps as they "explore.") You can purchase only the guide, then borrow the Holling books from the library and purchase a set of maps, or you can purchase either of the literature packs that include all of the above in your choice of either hardcover or softcover editions of the Holling books.
Three regions of North America are covered, and students are introduced to world geography.
You adapt the program for different ages by choosing the amount of detail to explore with each one and by having older students compile a notebook. Lesson plans are outlines that direct you to activities. For example, some of the activities on page 15 are: "Read chapters 14-15 of Minn of the Mississippi." "Describe how rivers were formed and how they constantly change. How has man contributed to this change?" "...define meander, bayou, spillway, shoal...." "Research the 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquakes. Record findings in notebook." Instructions are brief, and you and your students are sometimes on your own to research other sources for information.
The course generally takes a semester to complete. While it is recommended for grades three through seven, you should carefully select activities for younger students, assisting them much more than you would older students. Reading the Holling books aloud with the entire family, then selectively assigning activities should work best for most families.
