Explore the World at Home

by Jillian Gregory

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Geography "as a science that deals with the description, distribution, and interaction of the diverse physical, biological, and cultural features of the earth's surface". This definition is comprehensive, but at the same time uninteresting and dry. This type of technical definition will cause a child to lose interest in Geography quickly. How, then, can you spark an interest in Geography for children?

The answer is fun games of course! I have discussed the importance and benefits of software games as a means of learning in previous articles. This article will focus on the intriguing learning adventures your child can travel on through interactive geography and animal software games.

Reading about a far off land from a text book is suitable for general comprehension; however the information is static and finite. Reading the textbook material only stimulates basic thinking and comprehension skills. A step up is to discuss specific questions about the lesson. Verbal skills are utilized and strengthened through this activity. Many teachers then supplement traditional textbook lessons with videos. Videos are great because they integrate sight, sound, and reading.

A combination of these learning resources wouldn't be complete, however, without the addition of geography and animal software games. Why? Geography and animal software games are more dynamic in nature. Your child can interact with the game. Many games have several adventure scenarios that can lead your child on a different adventure each time. This interaction promotes participation, higher level critical thinking skills, and entertainment.

Entertainment is NOT a bad word. Learning should be fun. I bet your child can recite lines from their favorite cartoon, movie, or song. Correct? Why not incorporate learning into entertainment? Not old fashioned entertainment learning though. Watching a video can be fairly interesting, but the student is a passive learner. Therefore, interactive learning activities, such as computer games, will turn your child into an active learner that attaches meaning to their learning experience. This attachment of meaning will help them to understand and recall the information they have learned more effectively.

What geography and animal software games do you recommend? "Safari Adventures: Africa". This interactive game allows your child to discover the African continent in a thrilling and interesting manner. Your child will learn about the animals, terrain, and elements that compose the African countryside. The colors, graphics, and lessons are awesome!

Animals are a big part of Africa's natural beauty. Try incorporating an animal based learning game to your geography lessons. Children love to watch furry animals and seldom realize that they are learning at the same time. A great animal game to check out is "Zoboomafoo Animal Alphabet". Your child can learn about animals from Armadillos to Zebras while focusing on understanding letters and reading.

These two geography and animal software games will help supplement your child's learning experience. Ask your child what countries or regions they would like to learn more about. They might surprise you with an interest in Iceland or South America. Have them pick out the software games with you so you can spend quality time together. Plus, educational software games are great, "guilt free" entertainment options for any rainy day.