Geography for Little Ones by Annie Nordlind

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1907

Geography for Little Ones

By Annie Nordlind

HERE in the Ozarks of Missouri we have nature all around us, and while we enjoy but few modern improvements, we have the blessing of the Lord. What more could we ask?

As I have had good success in teaching geography, beginning with the primer class, I will give my plan, hoping it may benefit one at least.

I began with the little ones by drawing a map, as I called it, of the school yard, teaching them the directions, and having them help me locate trees, buildings, etc.

Next we took the surrounding country. This time it was necessary to represent houses, hills, etc., with a dot or mark of some kind, but the thought was still impressed upon their minds that they were houses where people were living, or trees with birds in them, maybe rabbits on the hills.

After this the map work was placed in their hands, and they drew the county, then the State; next, other States or groups of States. In each the capital, principal city, mountains, rivers, lakes, etc., were located. We talked of the children and their parents, what they were doing in the different States, until each State and its leading occupations became a living picture in their minds. It is also a good plan to have the children point out the direction of different States, for they get used to the directions in whatever way a map happens to be hanging. If maps were always hung on a north wall, it would save this confusion.

The children I have led along in the way just related, took up the book work with an interest born of intelligence, and advanced much faster than those ahead at the beginning.

ANNIE NORDLIND.