Planning Geography: Our trip Around the World

I’ve been so excited (and overwhelmed) about planning our geography study this year. I wanted to get the kids familiar with basic geography before we head into Tapestry of Grace curriculum next year, and I wanted to emphasize missionaries and the need for missions.

But I couldn’t make my mind up between Expedition Earth and the lessons from HomeschoolCreations.com. In the end, I decided to morph the two together. Yes, there were moments when I wondered what was wrong with me. I can’t ever take the easy way, it seems. Always have to customize. But now that it’s in the works, I’m really excited, and it was totally worth it.

First, I looked at both plans and chose the countries they had in common. That worked out to about 3 per continent (5 for Europe). Next, I looked at the books they recommended. The ones that they both used, Children Just Like Me, for instance, were easy to decide on. But then, I had to look at where they were different and choose my favorites. Around the World in 80 Tales, recommended by HC, looked like so much fun and right on my kid’s age level. But both of them recommended atlases that were rather expensive. So I found a cheaper alternative to that with Usborne’s Essential Atlas of the World ($10.99 and available as a giveaway right now). Geography A to Z was an EE recommendation that, again, looked very appropriate for my kids learning level.

So, after I pieced together my countries and my booklist, I had the mounting task of how to merge the plans. And here’s where I again complicated my life. EE does each country in one week; HC takes about 8 days; I wanted two weeks. So here’s what I decided on: one week of geography, and one week of culture and missions.  Plus, EE comes with an animal study: six animals from each country that we study and their classifications. I love that we’ll be able to touch on some science on our trip around the world.

I hope you’ll join us in our journey this fall. I really am excited, not just about what we’ll learn, but about how the Lord will use this study in our lives.

Up next: tomorrow I’m blogging about our Art plans. Come see the fun!

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Published by Tracy
Our life is creative and full, challenging and blessed. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschool mom to my crew of three kids with ADHD/dyslexia. I'm passionate about helping women find joy and hope in treasuring Christ, loving their families well, and finding creative ways to disciple and teach in their homeschools. Visit growingNgrace.com to find grace for the messes and mistakes, and knowledge to pick up the pieces and make something special. Let’s grow together!

10 thoughts on “Planning Geography: Our trip Around the World

  1. my husband wonders why I tend to make things more complicated than they need to be. ha! both programs a great! what an exciting year!

  2. Hi! Don’t feel bad about morphing things together I do it all the time! LOL! It’s so hard to find exactly what you’re looking for! Thanks so much for trying out Expedition Earth! I hope you have a great year!
    Erica
    http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com

    • User Avatar
      Post Author Tracy

      Erica, thanks for stopping by, and we are really looking forward to it! It’s the subject I’m most excited about. Thank you for all your hard work putting it together.

  3. I’m planning on morphing these two together and fitting it into a Winter Promise curriculum…..that makes me extra crazy right!?! 🙂 I tend to make things more difficult than they need to be too. Can’t just leave well enough alone I guess (my hubby tells me that almost daily lol). There is just so many fantastic materials out there it’s hard to choose just one. I’m going to follow you….I’m interested in seeing how the morph goes. 🙂

  4. There is no perfect curriculum for your children. How wise of you to combine them. I found you from THL. I’m enjoying your blog and will follow you.

  5. Hi!! New follower from the NBTS hop. We’re using the Expedition Earth too, and soo excited about it. I will keep an eye on your blog to see how you guys are doing!!

  6. This is awesome! Have a great year!

  7. I am still working on a geography plan for this upcoming year. Thanks for all the info, it was very helpful!

  8. That sounds like so much FUN! I’m looking forward to using expedition earth in a couple of years and now I’ll have to check out the other one too to see if we should morph as well!

  9. I think it sounds wonderful. I love the little passport books. So much fun. I really want to do a “Trip Around The World” Unit with my girls. I think I might try to do it this year. Thanks so much for linking to My Shae Noel’s “All Things Wonderful Link Party”. I hope you will come back this week.
    Take care,
    Shauna
    myshaenoel.blogspot.com

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