DIY Homeschooler

Before classical education become so popular, many of us approached geography in the traditional way — beginning with what was closest to a child, and expanding outward to city, state, country, and world.  If we are teaching geography along with chronological history, we might just miss the joy of our child’s building a relationship with the things around him.  All the Places to Love is an easy first remedy.

All the Places to Love is a beautifully illustrated picture book written by Patricia MacLachlan, that begins where a child is — or in this case where a child is born.  In gazing out of the window he sees the first things to love:

• the valley,
• the river falling down over rocks,
• the hilltop where the blueberries grew.

As the child grows his view moves on to the barn, and hay fields, and meadows, and woods, and fields — places each person in his family loves best.  And his favorite, the marsh.

The book is built on the premise that

All the places to love are here . . . no matter where you may live.

This special book is a treasure all on its own, for the warmth and love of family closeness, the inviting scenes, and the peaceful tone.  But it can also be used (perhaps after the enjoyment of the first few readings) as a gentle introduction to geography as a child comes to know the various places mentioned in the book and those near where he lives.

Suggestions

• Label and illustrate the various places mentioned (such as hilltop, valley, meadow, etc.).
• Have your child look around where you live and identify his favorite place, and why.
• Your child can also ask others in the family what their favorite place is and compile a booklet.
• Or he can simply create a booklet of his six favorite places.

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Additional Resources

Drawing & Writing Notebooking Paper {Free Download}
For writing and illustrating.

Interactive Stapleless Booklet Maker {Free}
For creating a booklet with six favorite places.

November: All the Places to Love
Very well done lesson plan.