Home Geography for Primary Grades
Book Description
Too much has been expected of young children in the study of geography. Many of the so-called primary geographies are really not primary. They present a multitude of facts the most of which are beond the power of the child to comprehend f)r retain. Childhood is a period of actixe memory, but this is no reason why we should attempt to cram the mind with details of geography. Facts themselves are of...
MoreToo much has been expected of young children in the study of geography. Many of the so-called primary geographies are really not primary. They present a multitude of facts the most of which are beond the power of the child to comprehend f)r retain. Childhood is a period of actixe memory, but this is no reason why we should attempt to cram the mind with details of geography. Facts themselves are of no value. It is only in their relations that they become significant. For the child of ten }-ears it is not sufficient that facts be presented in their relations, but that these relations be such as will arouse interest through connection with the childs own exj)eriences. To expect a child in the fourth grade to draw a map of the state in which it lives, locate the principal rivers, valleys, mountains, bays, cities, and name and locate the counties, is wrong. Parrot-like memorizing of such facts, at that age, can result onl- in harm. The facts mean nothing and create a distaste for the work. We must start from home, from the environment of the child. We must build upon what has alrcad) become a part of its life. Dctinitions and disconnected facts cannot be assimilated. In the home surroundings we can get the materials which, if properlx used, nvdv be made the basis for the superstructure in geograph} .T he mintl expands as the experiences increase. What the child has seen and felt itself must be the basis for an increase oi knowledge. The home is a little world. lcvv in miniature arc the features of the great world ;)U tsitlc. The forms of land and water, the aiiim.iU and plants, the occupations and industries of men arc represented.
(Typographical errors above are due to OCR software and don't occur in the book.)
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Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, History, Folklore and Mythology.
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