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.
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.
Additional Recommendation by Tory: It is perfect for an overall view of the different countries and the art that is unique to each region. For example, for Africa the student makes a Kente Cloth, and learns that it is used for ceremonial purposes in Ghana.
Most of the countries have several art projects to choose from. The maps and templates are provided in the back of the book. You do have to use your own art supplies. Most are very affordable to do and use objects a home school family probably already has on hand.
My students are middle to high school. Younger students would require more help for some of the projects, but there are enough to choose from that I think it could be easily adapted for the higher elementary grades.
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!
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