I am searching for solid resources for Geography but am increasingly frustrated in my attempts to find what I am looking for; resources that teach straight geography knowledge. Continents and their countries, countries and their capitals, rivers and mountains. Generally I want the children to have a good grasp of just where place names are located when they read of them.
Earlier this term we purchased the Geography Songs Kit from Audio Memory. There are 33 songs that teach the names and locations of the continents, oceans, planets and 225 countries. The children and I listened to a few samples online, I read many reviews and it appeared to be one of the popular ones, so I took a gamble and ordered it.
So what do I think? Well I’m happy and not happy;)
Happy as I have a few audio learners who are enjoying this approach, and it is a start, we are finally beginning to learn the names of countries with their continents. Many tunes are rather catchy.
Not so happy in that:
1) I believe the sound quality could be better, as I have a hearing impairment I distinctly notice when audios do not have clarity. For the majority of these songs I need the words to follow what they are singing.
2)Some of the songs are rather disappointing. There is an inconsistency in how they deal with each continent. For example many continents have all the countries listed and then some have just basic ‘cultural’ songs. Australia and New Zealand for example have really pathetic songs.
3)There is a definite American bias. Canada and the USA have all their states/provinces listed.
I’m happy I purchased the kit but thought I’d share the pros and cons.
I’d love to hear of other geography recommendations. Please pass them my way.