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Teaching Geography Through Art

by Sharon Jeffus, Richard Jeffus, and Cindy Wiggers

Review by Martha Robinson

See the review of the new version of this book HERE.

Teaching Geography Through Art by Sharon Jeffus, Richard Jeffus, and Cindy Wiggers. Spiral bound, 127 pages, $19.95. Published by Geography Matters.com or HomeschoolChristian.com's Christian Book Distributors link or our Amazon affiliate link.

Teaching Geography Through Art is a program designed to supplement geography studies and create interest that leads to further research. Art projects are grouped by continent and country.

The book begins with an introductory note that encourages teachers to let the students use "their own ingenuity" in completing art projects. "Problem solving should be as important as the project itself." The authors suggest that art may be a calling, and that all work should be dated so that the child may see improvement over time and avoid discouragement.

Various recipes for homemade clay are shown. A discussion of the different materials and supplies needed for art includes information on markers, pencils, pastels, and paints.

The main text of Teaching Geography Through Art is divided into sections on the "planet earth" and six continents. (Antarctica is excluded.) Each of the continent sections is preceded by a one page overview of the physical features of the continent, and all the sections begin with a map. Typically a photo, drawing, or other art is shown with a bit of history and a discussion of the object. Then one or more ideas related to the picture are suggested. Internet links for further research are often cited.

Listed below are the countries covered in Asia and an example art project from each.

  • China -- paper cutting
  • Japan -- origami
  • India -- how to draw an elephant
  • Russia/Ukraine -- sugar cube church

The book ends with several other resources. Suggestions for making a travel poster and a calendar of art work are included, along with a geography glossary and a reproducible "Countries of the World Fact Sheet."

Recommendation: Teaching Geography Through Art is a very interesting supplement that is sure to increase interest in geography and even history. It will generate ideas for the creative parent and will be helpful when used in conjunction with Trail Guide to World Geography for the parent seeking a more structured approach.

Other HomeschoolChristian resources related to this review:

HomeschoolChristian.com's Geography page with many resources and creative ideas for studying geography.
HomeschoolChristian.com's Art Page with many resources for studying art!
Review of Geography Through Art, the updated version of this book!
Review of the Eat Your Way geography cookbook series
Review of A Child's Geography
Review of Geography Songs
Review of Hands-On Geography
Review of Trail Guide to World Geography
Review of The Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide
Review of Uncle Josh's Outline Maps
Review of Hold That Thought Note booking and timeline products

Find more helpful reviews on HomeschoolChristian.com's Review Page Index!

Reviews represent the opinions of the authors rather than the views of HomeschoolChristian.com.