How to Learn the Countries of the World
Asante and I have the big audacious goal of learning all of the countries of the world.
I didnt think it was that big of a goal until we actually started doing it.
I LOVED geography back in junior high and during that time we learned all of the countries of the world. I remember counting down the days until it was time to start a new map of a new continent. Opening my atlas to discover all of the countries, rivers, and mountain ranges of each new place was completely fascinating to me.
I’ve pretty much forgotten most of what I learned, but as we’re trying to be and build global thinkers in our little home, I realized that, duh, we need to KNOW the countries of the world.
I’m completely awful at memorizing things without going over it a gazillion times, so I created a bunch of different avenues for us to learn throughout the day!
1. Play Catch!
Hugg-a-Planet is a company that creates soft balls that look like the Earth! It’s soft, total huggable, and absolutely safe to throw in the house. Tucked inside this Earth, in a small velcroed pocket, is the Moon. How fun is that?! And good news- this globe is up-to-date. Many of the maps and globe toys I’ve been looking at haven’t added South Sudan as a country (there might be more recent changes than that, but it’s the one that I look for because it’s the most obvious to me).
We use this planet to play “catch and name.” Throw the Earth to someone, and they name whatever country their thumbs land on. Toss it back and forth a few times for a little review! Since we have the Earth laying around on our couch, when we’re snuggled together reading books or just chatting, we grab the Earth and go over a few of the countries.
2. There’s an App for That
Oh yes there is- there are apps for everything, and learning the countries of the world is no exception. Our favorites to use so far are Stack the Countries and TapQuiz Maps, World Edition.
3. Hang a Map on the Wall
We printed out huge paper maps of the various continents and rotate through them. We can write on them, color them, or quiz one another with them. It’s on the wall, in our face, which is an everyday reminder. I need everyday reminders. 🙂 We printed our maps from here in case you’re interested in doing the same. If you scroll to the bottom of that page, you’ll see some “quiz maps” that you can print out as well.
4. Placemats
In case you haven’t ventured into the world of placemats for kids, there is also a placemat for everything. Presidents, colors, numbers, writing, states, and THE WORLD. We bought this from Amazon (World Map Placemat
5. Puzzles and Books
There are a million and one books and puzzles about the world, and I’m sure that most of them are just fine. Our favorites include:
Go explore the world from the comfort of your own home!
When I was in Jr. High we not only had to memorize the countries, we had to a draw a map of the world freehand in an hour. I remember starting the year off thinking Africa was all one country, and boy did I learn otherwise! I don't think I could do it now!
Whoa- that is serious business!!! Did you like it too?
Hi!! I also love geography, I learnt all the countries with the is capitals and I remember most of them, but don't know anything about the new countries. I placed a big map in the dinner table with a transparent plastic, we can always look at the map, but last year I printed some flags twice to play memory game and the loved it!! When we make a couple, we have to say the country and anything else we know about it. We've been introducing new flags but still have a lot to know. It's a wonderful game if you want to try
That's a great idea- I love it! Capitals and flags are a great idea too. I printed out a bunch of flags from the Mr Printables website, but haven't really figured out what to do with them. Maybe I should just print out another copy! Thanks for stopping by and for the game suggestion :).