Bharat SainiLast Updated on September 30, 2018 by Bharat Saini
Global awareness is a 21st century skill that students are expected to make Geography one of the most relevant subjects to learn. Contrary to popular belief, Geography is a lot more than being able to point out a country on a World map or knowing the capital city of every country in the World. Essentially, just as reading, writing, and mathematics are the fundamental building blocks to a child’s education, Geography opens the door to understanding history, culture, and current events.
It’s imperative to learn Geography to know where places are, and some facts about those places, so that you can tell why they are different. It’s important for children to understand that the World is round, there are land masses surrounded by bodies of water, and that people of all different cultures live in various areas of our amazing Earth!
Why should kids learn Geography?
- They become more aware – Geography helps to spark the children’s curiosity and as they become more curious, their awareness grows. They begin to acknowledge that the World extends a lot farther than the boundaries of their town or city. It opens their eyes to different cultures and perspectives, and helps them grow as well-rounded, emphatic individuals.
- It helps them learn about people across the Globe – The Geography of a region has major influence on the lifestyle of its inhabitants and culture. Besides having a deep impact on the social and cultural norms of the people, the Geography of a region also affects the art forms, literature, food habits, and celebrations of the people. Geography imparts kids an understanding of the distribution of people around the World and the differences in their ways of living.
- Geography helps kids learn History – An understanding of where a place is located, its surroundings, its culture and people can help kids see how and why different civilizations influenced each other. It also helps them realize the significance of one civilization conquering another.
- It gives them an idea about the importance of natural resources – As the World today faces the problem of the fast depleting natural resources, Geography makes our children understand their importance and why they must be preserved. Climatic conditions and available natural resources in a particular region shape the lives of its inhabitants. Geographical features influence the distribution of natural and man-made resources across the Globe.
- Geography helps them appreciate life – Studying Geography helps kids appreciate the diversity in life forms. As they are exposed to various ecological issues and environmental concerns they understand how nature influences life and how cultures take shape. The children gain a deeper insight into the interaction between natural components and human beings.
Geography is undeniably an important subject that gives your child an opportunity to observe and analyze the close association between natural environment and human life. The power of understanding the World is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your child. Buy a Globe and an atlas, as well as Geography books for competitive exams that describe histories, cultures, and religions of people living in other countries. You can also buy Geography magazines online to promote your child’s interest in the subject.
Teach your children about the World outside of their everyday experience, and watch horizons of their imagination and intellect explode. And start with the forgotten basics of Geography.
