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Montessori Basics: Geography
St. Croix Montessori • November 8, 2021
Geography: a science that deals with the description, distribution, and interaction of the diverse physical, biological, and cultural features of the earth's surface.
Geography is a commonly taught subject in most schools, with children learning about maps, the globe, and various countries and land features. We do this as well, but as with most subjects, we take things a bit deeper (even for our younger students). This article highlights the scope of our geography curriculum.
One point to note: Montessori begins with presenting children with the whole, a ‘big picture’ view, while slowly narrowing in on details. This makes information more developmentally appropriate as well as giving children a sense of the interconnectedness of all things. This approach also leads to some overlap with other subject areas, which is a good thing!
Globes, Maps, and Physical Features of the Earth
Geography work starts early in Children’s House. Children begin with an introduction to three different globes; one is blue with sandpaper continents, the next is blue with smooth white continents, and the third is blue with colorful continents. Montessori materials have specific colors designated for each continent: Africa is green, Asia is yellow, Australia is brown, Antarctica is white, South America is pink, North America is orange, and Europe is red. These early globe experiences help give children a sense of the roundness of Earth and the differences between major areas of land and water.
Children are then introduced to the puzzle maps. They begin with a map of the continents that utilizes the same colors they learned on the early globe, and then explore puzzles for each continent of the world. There are also more specialized puzzles available, including one of the fifty states, the provinces of Canada, etc. Once again, we begin with the whole (the earth) and then introduce the map of the continent on which they live, the country in which they live and finally, the state in which they live.
Also beginning in Children’s House and continuing through the early elementary years, children learn about land and water forms. This includes the parts of a mountain, the parts of a river, and the names of a wide variety of land and water formations.
Creation Stories
As part of the science and history curriculum, elementary children are told the creation of the universe story once per year. This important lesson is based on today’s scientific evidence, but we feel it’s important to honor the many other creation stories throughout history. That’s why we also take the time to read tales that span a wide variety of cultures. There are many learning extensions that can be applied, such as discussing the similarities and differences between cultures, having children create artwork to represent the stories, or even having small groups of children act them out.
Laws of Attraction and States of Matter
When we tell children the story of the creation of the universe, we do it with a series of props laid out before them. When we talk about the behavior of particles, we show them a visual example. When we talk about the formation of the planets, we touch upon the three states of matter on Earth. We teach them how temperature and force affect these states, and how ultimately this has an impact on the formation and continuous changing of our planet.
This introduction segues into a series of experiments that children are able to complete independently (after an introduction and safety rules, of course!). Materials for the experiments are set upon the shelves, along with instructions. While most people would consider this science - as it is - we consider it part of our geography curriculum even though this is one of the most obvious points of overlap.
The Sun and the Earth
The elementary geography curriculum is complimented by a series of charts that visually illustrate important information. Some are diagrams while others are impressionistic drawings. These charts are particularly helpful when teaching about the sun and the earth.
We start simply, by teaching children about Earth’s orbit around the sun as well as its rotation on its own axis. This leads into many lessons about concepts like day and night, the seasons, the zones of the earth, and even time zones.
A good deal of time is spent teaching children about the composition of the earth. This includes the different layers, but also the formation of mountains, faults, and volcanoes.
The Work of Wind
Wind is a powerful force. We think it’s important to teach children about the behavior of air in our atmosphere and the effects it has on the planet. We cover how temperature affects the movement of air, air pressure, the relationships between winds, seasons and weather, and ocean currents.
The Work of Water
Water, as liquid water or solid ice has a tremendous impact on our planet. We discuss concepts such as erosion, sediments, the effects of rain, and the effects of ice on the landscape. We also cover water vapor when teaching children about the water cycle on our planet.
Vegetation, People, and Economy
After some basic botany lessons, it can be fascinating for children to learn about the variety of vegetation found in different biomes of the world. This leads into the study of the people in various biomes and how climate can change the way we live. Lastly, we explore concepts of economic geography; our economies have always been tied, in part, to the variations in resources available in different regions. We encourage children to analyze and question concepts like production and consumption.
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When children enter a Montessori elementary classroom around age six, they have undergone a great transformation. Whereas they previously wanted and needed to explore their immediate environment on a sensorial level, now they want and need to explore by using their intellect and imagination. The study of geography takes on a whole new meaning at this age when children are fascinated by the smallest particles and the largest stars. They want to know why the seasons differ in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. They are curious about what made the Grand Canyon. They want to know why ocean currents affect the weather. This desire to know why propels children to discover relationships and functions, not just learn facts. They are also fascinated by the extreme and the outstanding. They are drawn to the very large and the very small. They ask Why? What for? How is this related? The Universe Elementary-age children have a consuming interest in everything! To cater to this all-embracing thirst for the reasons of everything, we begin with the universe. One of the earliest lessons we introduce is the story of the universe. From this first story, children are delighted by a myriad of lessons and activities which fall under the general heading of ‘geography.' Beginning with the universe gives elementary children a big-picture context. In Montessori, rather than encountering bits of disconnected knowledge, children learn about the order and harmony of the universe, as well as the relationships that exist between all things. “If the idea of the universe be presented to the child in the right way, it will do more for him than just arouse his interest, for it will create in him admiration and wonder, a feeling loftier than any interest and more satisfying. The child's mind then will become fixed and can work. The knowledge he then acquires is organized and systematic; his intelligence becomes whole and complete because of the vision of the whole that has been presented to him and his interest spreads to all, for all are linked and have their place in the universe on which his mind is centered.” — Dr. Maria Montessori, To Educate the Human Potential. Constructing Understanding Dr. Montessori observed that children around the world tended to ask similar questions at this age. The geography presentations and lessons support these fundamental reoccurring questions. Our goal is to help elementary children have an explosion into understanding. However, this kind of understanding does not come from adults explaining everything. Instead, we give children experiences and just enough information so they can find out more and make associations. When children make their own connections, real and lasting understanding happens. Even better, the children respond with enthusiasm and excitement! Geography Topics Children in a Montessori classroom do not encounter subjects grouped under curricular headings. Subjects are integrated because children are building their minds. They are exploring their world, rather than the chapters of a textbook. Although there is a structure in the classroom environment, children have the opportunity to explore different many different aspects of geography including: Space, Earth, and the Universe Composition of the Earth Nature of the Elements Sun and Earth Work of Air Work of Water Life on the Land Interdependencies Economic Geography The lessons we present, and the resulting children’s explorations, lead into astronomy, physics, chemistry, meteorology, geology, and more. For example, as we look more closely at how the earth revolves around the sun, children learn about solstices and seasons, climatic zones, and flora and fauna found in particular regions. Aids to Understanding For each topic, we provide imaginative aids, often in the form of stories, colorful impressive charts, and a variety of experiments. Many of these instructive aids have been selected to provide impressions, not just facts. The aim of our geography presentations is to intrigue the children and spark their imagination. We want them to be inspired to find out more! We concentrate on giving key information, discussing reasons, and illustrating details, all of which draw children’s attention to certain phenomena. Once interest is there, children want to learn as much as they can. It is as if we are giving elementary students keys to knowledge and understanding. Once they have the keys, they can open doors and continue their explorations. Geography is a vibrant aspect of the Montessori elementary and generates spontaneous, active, self-renewing interest! A love of learning blossoms in the children, and many develop a lifelong fascination with elements of geography. We invite you to visit our school to learn more about our Montessori approach to Elementary Education.
Where Joy and Learning Go Hand in Hand
