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THERE IS A BUZZ ABOUT GEOGRAPHY AT THE LOWER SCHOOL By Vivian Barfoot, Lower School Director October 2007

The Lower School is “Going Global” about geography! The faculty has taken on a challenge of integrating geography learning experiences throughout the curriculum as well as introducing geography concepts in a regular and intentional way this school year. From Art class to Science Lab, from Music to Reading, there is a thread of geography tying the learning together to help students learn more about the world and the people in it. The contribution of geography can play an important role in teaching values and citizenship, conservation of the world’s resources, and appreciation of the cultures of the world.

As in most things at the elementary level, we are starting with the basics and building concept on concept to construct a strong foundation in these important areas of global thinking. We are capitalizing on student interest in learning about the world and connecting learning to real life activities and meaningful experiences. Students explore where we are in the world: Where is our city in the state? Where is our state in the U.S.A.? Where is the United States on the continent? Where is North America on the Earth? Where are other places in relationship to where we are?

Students are expanding their toolbox of geography vocabulary to better discuss directional relationships and physical features that define places in our world. We are increasing the ways to explore geography, going past the traditional maps and globes. Trivia games and challenges, computer research, and interactional computer games allow students to not only collect information but to use the information in decision making adventure situations. Computer software games such as “GeoGenius: World”, “World Tour”, and online geograohy games are engaging ways to expand and practice geography knowledge.

Through the Science Lab curriculum, Lower School students are learning about the world and how it is changing. The lessons will build toward an understanding of the interdependence within the ecosystem and the role individuals can play in responsible ecological behavior. Fourth grade science helpers facilitate the recycling program by collecting and bagging paper, cans, and plastic bottles for weekly pick up. Later in the year the third graders will create a school compost and participate in limited gardening experiences. Teaching children to take care of the world is an important goal that we are approaching by modeling good planet behavior and by expecting students to act responsibly in small things. Responsible behavior is a habit that we are encouraging.

For many years the Lower School has engaged in an annual Culture Study, and this year the focus will be Germany. The Culture Study is a geographical experience that naturally builds an appreciation of the values and attitudes of people in other parts of the world. Playing to the senses, the format of the Culture Study creates lasting learning. When students have sung the music, danced the rhythms, tasted the food, read the stories, made the crafts, and met the animals of a culture, they are forever connected to the people and places.

Even the emphasis on MANNERS this year as a part of Character Education at the Lower School has its ties to geography. The success of children in this world depends on how they learn to deal with the problems they face. Instruction and encouragement to respond respectfully to others will help students on the playground today and in the world tomorrow. The world is no longer limited to our neighborhood; therefore, parents and schools must equip the children for the global thinking needed in solving the problems they most certainly will face.

We are using GEOGRAPHY to help students be ready to step actively into the world. Watch their understanding of the world and its people grow at the Lower School this year!