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Question - Why geography after exploration?

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2011 3:49 pm
by Joselle173
Just curious why geography was chosen to come after we travel all over the world for history. I'm sure there's a well-thought out reason for this and if it's been posted elsewhere, please direct me! :mrgreen:

Re: Question - Why geography after exploration?

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2011 4:23 pm
by LynnH
I believe it is because the Geography guide will be a High School guide and normally the requirements for High School are 1 year of Geography that is usually done in 9th grade.

Re: Question - Why geography after exploration?

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2011 1:25 pm
by my3sons
Lynn is right - that way, those doing geography with dc in high school may use it for a high school credit. :D I just saw you'll be using BHFHG with your 2 dc next year, and I just wanted to say we are loving BHFHG right now so much! I am excited for you and your dc to get to do it next year. :D
In Christ,
Julie

Re: Question - Why geography after exploration?

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 2:46 pm
by Carrie
Cheryl,

We actually do study geography every year in correlation with the history in our guides, so we're not really waiting to do geography until the upcoming Geography Guide. At HOD, our philosophy is that geography is best taught corresponding with history as the two cannot truly be separated and still have meaning. Simply knowing where places or countries are or studying the culture of people groups or places without knowing something about their history is like teaching a subject with pieces of the puzzle missing. :wink: Countries develop and change based on historical events.

Once kiddos have been through our guides, they will have a good foundational knowledge of the geography of the world and how geography has played a huge role in history. After finishing the 4 year cycle with our modern times guide, and before beginning a new cycle of history study in high school, is a wonderful time to do a one-year sweep of history from the perspective of chronological advancements in exploration and map-making. This is the focus of our geography guide. :D

In the gegraphy guide, we will start from early times and move forward, mapping the world as students go. Corresponding history readings about explorers and the history of map-making will match with the mapping exercises. Mapping the world bit by bit is a huge undertaking, and definitely one that requires the student to have a grasp of the world and of geographic principles. It is well-suited for high school level students and allows them to assimilate all of their previous geography and history knowledge. It also sets the stage well for future in-depth history studies throughout high school, as in-depth geographic knowledge will be important within a more complex study of history. :D

Hope that helps! :D

Blessings,
Carrie