Description

The Montessori geography curriculum focuses on both the physical and cultural geography.  The physical discusses the creation of the earth and it’s other physical properties.  Cultural geography is the study of human society and culture.  This is where the North America continent folder slots in; the young Child is introduced to the curriculum through these vivid images, with a summary of facts to support the back-story behind the image.  The two together show the child that we are all members of the human race who must co-exist peacefully in order to survive. Enjoy this in depth look as we explain Montessori Geography curriculum materials, activities, and philosophy.

Explore the lives of the indigenous peoples of this continent with inspiring stories.  Take a journey through your mind’s eye.  Imagine growing up as a Cherokee on the reservation or climbing the 354 steps up into the head of the Statue of Liberty.  Children love to learn about how others live, what they do and eat.  Stories reveal ideas, beliefs and facts about others.  They prompt a thirst in you to explore and experience for themselves.

This activity is intended to widen our children’s knowledge and awareness of others, allowing them the opportunity to grow their understanding of the world.  This is meant to be an introduction to geography, providing a foundation for the teacher to build upon, stimulating the Child’s imagination.

Features of the North America Continent Folder:

• the direct objective for the Child, is to;
  • look beyond their horizons, and learn about diverse cultures
• indirectly, children;
  • are introduced to the seven continents
  • begin to understand different cultures and traditions
  • broaden their horizons, stimulating an inquiring mind
• curriculum support material, aligned to the Montessori geography curriculum
• the fact cards are printed on the reverse of every image.  These cards offer the teacher, a structure, that she can embellish with stories and facts.

Contents of the North America Continent Cards

40 Image cards and 2 map cards.  The first world map card depicts the north American continent in orange.  The other map card illustrates the nothe American continent only.  The image cards, with supporting facts on the reverse, provide the teacher with ideas that they can use to describe the image to the Child.

• Indigenous peoples (5 cards) – the Mayan people, Mohawk people, the Inuit, Cherokee people, and the Navajo
• Types of homes (5 cards) – the Navajo home, the Igloo, Hogan, Nah, Longhouse, and the Cherokee home
• Natural wonders (5 cards) – the Mauna Kea, Niagara falls, Grand Canyon, Mount Denali, and the Pitons
• Man-made wonders (5 cards) – the Gateway Arch, Golden Gate Bridge, Chichen Itza, Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building
• Animals (5 cards) – the Black Bear, Mexican Axolotl, Hawaiian Monk Seal, Cougar,  and the American Bison
• Plants (5 cards) – the Wild Prairie Rose has existed for more than how many years, what are the rose hips and roots used for?
• Trees (5 cards) – the flowering Dogwood tree, red Maple tree, yellow Poplar tree, the white Oak tree, and river Birch tree,
• Cities (5 cards) – Vancouver, New York City, Miami, San Diego, and Honolulu

Children find the attractive images and fact cards, interesting and entertaining.   Each statement presents a new aspect of life to the child, prompting them to want to learn more.  Note:  the folder holder and all the other folders (excluding North America), in the illustration; are sold separately.