Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand basic geography concepts related to different continents and countries while having fun playing in a tent.

Materials and Prep

• A tent or fort made from blankets and chairs
• A world map or globe
• A flashlight
• Optional: Stuffed animals or toys representing different animals from around the world

Before starting the lesson, make sure you have set up the tent or fort in a comfortable and safe area.

Activities

• 1. Explore the World: Sit inside the tent with the flashlight. Turn off the lights and use the flashlight to explore the world map or globe. Shine the light on different continents and talk about their names.
• 2. Find the Countries: Using the map or globe, ask the student to find specific countries. For example, "Can you find the United States?" or "Can you find China?" Encourage them to use their finger or a toy to point to the countries.
• 3. Animal Adventures: If you have stuffed animals or toys representing different animals, take turns placing them on different continents. Ask the student questions like, "Where would a lion live?" or "Which continent is home to penguins?" Let them explore and place the animals on the correct continents.
• 4. Create a Passport: Provide the student with blank paper and markers. Ask them to create their own passport by drawing a cover and writing their name on it. Explain that a passport is a special document that allows people to travel to different countries.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Geography is the study of places and how people and things are connected to those places."
• "Continents are large pieces of land. There are seven continents on Earth: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica."
• "Countries are smaller areas within continents. Each country has its own name, and people who live there may speak different languages and have different cultures."
• "Animals live in different parts of the world. Some animals can only be found in specific countries or continents."
• "A passport is a special document that people use to travel to different countries. It has their name and picture in it."