Unit Study: Geography: Grades K - 4
Galloping the Globe
Authors: Loree' Pettit and Dari Mullins
Publisher: Geography Matters, Inc.
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Written by two homeschool moms and designed for elementary students, Galloping the Globe takes children on a tour of the seven contintents, stopping at several countries within each for more indepth study. Along the way students learn about geography, meet various historical figures and missionaries, and study many different animals.  The course is designed to be completed in one to three school years, depending on how long you decide to spend on each topic.  In true unit study fashion, Galloping the Globe covers a myriad of subject areas all built around the study of geography.  Each country/continent has eight divisions with activity and/or book suggestions for each.  The divisions are:

People/History - Here you will find lots of book suggestions where student's will meet missionaries, authors, important historical figures, scientists, artists, etc.

General Reference Books - Books you might find in your local library for general information about the country or topic.

Literature - This includes children's literature originating from, set in, or telling about the country.  There are a variety of genres included throughout the book.

Science - Although the main focus throughout the book is on animals, other topics include, trees, flowers, volcanoes, astronomy, and specific ecosystems such as the rain forest and the coral reef.

Vocabulary - Students use the provided "Geography Dictionary" page, which provides a template for students to define and draw a picture of the geography vocabulary. 

Music/Art/Projects - This section has lots of craft suggestions (most using readily available materials) relating to the culture or animals.  Also included in this section are suggestions for music to enjoy and recipes from the country.

Internet Resources - Recommended web sites where students can research more information, view photos, and find additional activities.

Bible - One of the neatest parts of this curriculum, the authors have found scripture that is related to the character traits found in the literature books.  They also use verses pertaining to other areas that have been studied such as an item in the science section or to that country's culture.

Throughout Galloping the Globe, you will find reproducible maps, country information sheets, country flags and fun activity sheets. These will be filed in the student notebook, which each child sets up at the beginning of the year. Although the authors recommend using books found at the library, Galloping the Globe does refer to several resources that are foundational; having these on hand will make things go much smoother since they are referred to often throughout the study.  Some of the titles that are recommended to have on hand are Considering God's Creation, Our Father's World (second grade textbook from Rod and Staff publishing), Missionary Stories with the Millers, The Usborne Book of Famous Lives and Children Just Like Me. 

One thing you will not find in Galloping the Globe are lesson plans.  Instead, the authors offer suggestions for using the curriculum, provide you with extensive lists of books, activities, recipes, etc., then set you free to plan your days as you see fit. The activity suggestions are detailed enough so you are not left guessing and there are lots of interesting facts for you to share with your children. Galloping the Globe is a wonderful introduction to world geography. The many hands-on activities will appeal to young learners and moms will enjoy having multiple children all studying the same material.

Making the grade: A
Cost: 24.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10
Review provided by Cindy Prechtel, Editor