How To Teach Your Child Montessori Geography

This article will take a look at the Montessori geography curriculum for different age groups and how parents can teach and/or reinforce the core concepts at home.

Ages 3-6

Between the ages of three and six, children learn about the world through sensory experience and stories. Creating physical sensory experiences that apply to geography is of particular importance because it builds long-term memory. For instance, parents can encourage children to interact with a globe, or build the world and its landforms using play dough. 

Puzzle maps are another good option because they help children to build their understanding of continents, oceans, and the world around them. Pin punching is another very common Montessori activity and can be applied to geography. Children use a pin to “punch” the outline of the shape of the continents.

Children will also begin to learn about the people who live in different areas of the world and their particular customs, from their clothing to their food, their housing, their traditions, and more. Children learn about the different animals and plants that live on these continents as well. They learn to appreciate the similarities and differences between themselves and those around them. Since children learn through stories, books that tell stories about people in different parts of the world are a great way for children to learn about the world around them.

Ages 6-9

Between the ages of six and nine, the Montessori geography curriculum is focused on inspiring children to actually go out and explore the world around them. Children learn about human society, how earth came to be, the elements, and how the sun and the earth work. The best way parents can teach Montessori geography is to go out and explore with their children. Take children to science museums, parks, and other places where children can gain real-life knowledge of the way the world works.

Ages 9-12

Between the ages of nine and twelve, children explore the same concepts as in the previous age bracket but in more detail. Children are also introduced to economic geography, such as how resources are bought, sold, and traded, and how the wealth of a country influences how wealthy its people are. Parents can continue to use the real world as a vehicle to explore these ideas.

Thinkamajigs offers high-quality, value-priced Montessori geography teaching materials, educational toys, games, and puzzles. You can view our selection in our catalog here. We ship anywhere in North America. Contact us for more information.