5 Themes of Geography

[petunia]

Is there anyone who sees little use in teaching this topic besides me? It just seems like a waste of time,, maybe someone can convince me otherwise. Its always the first thing we're supposed to cover in the school year, and I like to dive right into the "meat" of my history course.

[Chef Dave]

I think the concept of geography taught as part of social studies would make sense. It would provide some context for learning about historical events ... but geography by itself as a stand alone subject? :eek:

One might as well turn back the hands of time and teach rhetoric, logic, and Latin.

[petunia]

the concept of geography yes, makes loads of sense,,, but the "5 Themes of Geography"? Just seems like fluff and a waste of time to me

[SS Rocks!]

I think it really depends on how the lessons are structured. It makes a lot of sense if it's incorporated it into lessons throughout the year. If it's taught at the beginning of the year and then forgotten yes, it's a waste of time.

I teach ancient civilizations and use the five themes with each of the civilizations I teach. I particularly like looking at how people interact with their environment and compare it to how we interact with our environment today.

I like the idea of looking at things this way. It gives the kids a different pserspective on history.

[Boxcar]

I think that is a good way to do it. I don't do social studies as a stand-alone subject in the preschool. It is incorpertate into alll my lessons and centers. So, it is kind of like what you do with geography.

BTW... Social studies in preschool is things like transportation, occupations, All About Me, and Our Families.

[SS Rocks!]

I think that is a good way to do it. I don't do social studies as a stand-alone subject in the preschool. It is incorpertate into alll my lessons and centers. So, it is kind of like what you do with geography.

BTW... Social studies in preschool is things like transportation, occupations, All About Me, and Our Families.

I think it's awesome that you teach some form of social studies in preschool. It's great to make the kids aware of things which are usually taken for granted.

[blah]

the concept of geography yes, makes loads of sense,,, but the "5 Themes of Geography"? Just seems like fluff and a waste of time to me

What about the 5 themes seems like fluff? I teach a geography class to freshmen and find that 5 themes form a solid basis for looking the entire subject of Geography. The misconception is that the entire subject is made up of memorizing countries, it's bigger than that. (although there is nothing wrong with memorizing places) My question about the 5 themes is how to make the students get the difference between place and location?

[Boxcar]

If someone comes to you and says "Hi. Nice to meet you. I'm from Madagscar.", don't you think it is good to know where that is? What sort of context that puts this person in?

I agree that it is important. I'm not very good in the subject area. In fact, I'm terrible. But I still see how it has lots of value.