Study Geography with Lapbooks
Hands-on lapbook lessons and geography are a great combination for learning. Geography tends to be a dry, boring subject if you’re only using textbooks. If you study geography with lapbooks, you’re creating a reference material and a visual representation of what you’re learning. Trust me, kids will retain so much more of what they learn about geography if you incorporate lapbooking! I’ve discovered this firsthand with my daughters over the past 15+ years of homeschooling.
Not sure what a lapbook is? You’ll want to read this post first: What is a Lapbook?
Geography is a fascinating subject that enables us to understand the world we live in. From learning about diverse landscapes to discovering the cultures and traditions of different regions, studying geography opens our minds to the wonders of our planet. You can even make a lapbook for any U.S. state. You can study geography without a curriculum — that means no dry textbooks required! Try starting with geography facts and go from there.
Incorporating lapbooks into your learning journey can make the experience even more engaging and interactive. So let’s explore how to study geography using lapbooks, a creative and hands-on approach that brings the subject to life.
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Product on saleNational Parks Research GuideOriginal price was: $10.00.$8.00Current price is: $8.00.
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Abraham Lincoln Lapbook$5.00
You can even use something like these American landmarks worksheets into your lapbook creation to extend the learning and make it a full unit study.
Exploring the World: A Creative Approach to Studying Geography with Lapbooks
So what does it look like to use lapbooks to study geography? Here is the process that I use for our own homeschool:
- Select a Geographical Theme: Begin by choosing a geographical theme to focus on. It could be a specific country, continent, climate zone, or physical feature. Selecting a theme will provide a framework for your lapbook and guide your research and content gathering process.
- Research and Gather Information: Take time to research and gather relevant information about your chosen geographical theme. Utilize books, encyclopedias, maps, and reputable online resources to learn about the location’s physical features, climate, culture, history, landmarks, and any other key aspects you find interesting. Take notes and gather visual materials like pictures, maps, and diagrams to incorporate into your lapbook.
- Plan the Layout and Design: Before diving into creating your lapbook, plan the layout and design. Consider the number of flaps, folds, and compartments you want to include, keeping in mind the amount of information you have gathered. Divide your lapbook into sections, such as climate, landmarks, culture, or history, and allocate specific areas for each topic.
- Create Interactive Components: Lapbooks are all about interactivity. Include various interactive components such as flip-ups, pockets, mini-books, and wheel charts. For example, create a mini-book with facts about famous landmarks, a pocket to hold flashcards with cultural information, or a wheel chart showcasing the climate zones of the region. These interactive elements add depth and engagement to your lapbook.
- Add Visuals and Written Content: Enhance your lapbook with visually appealing elements. Use colored pencils, markers, and images to illustrate landscapes, flags, and important cultural symbols. Include written content such as interesting facts, descriptions, definitions, and personal reflections about your learning journey. Make the information concise and engaging, presenting it in a way that sparks curiosity and invites exploration.
- Reflect and Review: Once your lapbook is complete, take the time to reflect on what you have learned. Review the information, test your knowledge, and discuss the highlights of your geographical exploration. Use your lapbook as a tool for reviewing key concepts and sharing your newfound knowledge with others.
Supplies you’ll need:
I wrote an entire post on the best lapbooking supplies. These are tried and true from our own experience, so be sure to check them out!
Geography Lapbooks
Don’t feel ready to create your own lapbook from scratch? No worries! There are plenty of options to purchase them — and even some free choices! Even if you purchase them, lapbooks are one of the most affordable types of homeschool curriculum available.
Country Study Lapbook from Knowledge Box Central — this can be used with ANY country you want to study
The Seven Continents Lapbooks from Knowledge Box Central
Oceans of the World Lapbook from Knowledge Box Central
Countries of the World Lapbooks from Knowledge Box Central
Famous World Landmarks Lapbook from Knowledge Box Central
Studying geography through lapbooks provides a creative and interactive approach that engages learners of all ages. By combining research, organization, and artistic expression, lapbooks offer an opportunity to delve deep into the world’s diverse regions and cultures. Lapbooks can bring the wonders of geography to life and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our world. So, grab your file folders, markers, and imagination, and embark on an exciting journey of geographical exploration with lapbooks!
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