Avoid reliance on standard textbooks. Emphasize active learning by applying knowledge to investigate real geographic problems. Use the local community as a resource for examples of the five geographic themes. Involve children in hands-on investigations of nearby places such as farms or parks. Parents can enhance their child's knowledge of geography by advocating its emphasis in the school curriculum, but learning should not be restricted to the classroom.
Parents can do many things to stir their children's curiosity and make geography fun to learn.
Games, maps, and other activities are informal and easy ways to encourage geographic awareness and lay a solid foundation. As your child's first teacher, you can have an ongoing impact on your child's knowledge of geography by monitoring and reinforcing lessons presented at school. Read stories from or about other countries and books that describe journeys. Make different ethnic foods or take your child to ethnic restaurants. Give children an opportunity to travel by car, bus, bicycle, or on foot.