Archived: Early Childhood: Where Learning Begins Geography

What Do I Do Here?

Toddlers can learn about the regions in their own home and neighborhood. We use certain areas

for different purposes.  There are areas with water, like bathrooms and kitchens, or areas with

beds like bedrooms. Many children over 4 years of age may be able to explore the part of the

Earth that is closest to them and begin naming the traits that make it special.

Ages 2–3

u Help your children understand physical regions by examining areas in your home.  Is

there an upstairs and a downstairs?  Is there an eating area and a sleeping area?  Eating

meals, resting, napping, and sleeping in the same place everyday gives toddlers an initial

sense that there are places with distinct characteristics in which you do certain activities.

u

When you travel through your community or take trips, name the different regions—the

shopping area, the playground, the church, synagogue, or mosque and your own street.

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Ages 4–5

u Take a trip to a region that is very different from your own.  A nearby park will do, or you

can travel to a waterfront, mountain, or desert. If you can't travel, look at pictures in a

book. Talk about how these regions differ from your own neighborhood and from each

other.

u

As you travel in different regions, look for familiar features. Do you see a school that

other children attend?  Is there a church or an office building?