Geography is an important subject. Besides helping us understand the world better, it helps us understand history and even find our way around. And it's fun!

Some people like to use a whole curriculum for the subject, while others prefer to piece materials together.

Here's what we suggest as the very basics:

1. You should own a decent US map, world map and globe. The most budget-conscious approach is to buy the placemat maps that Wal-Mart carries (under $1 each) and a globe from Wal-Mart or some other store (around $15). GeoSafari puts out excellent wall maps for $6 each (see link below; also often available at school supply stores).

2. You'll also want an atlas of the US (available at most stores; Rand McNally is the big name in them).

3. The Weekly Reader Map Skills workbooks teach how to read a wide variety of maps (see link below) and run about $6 each.

4. Take a look at the resources below for more ideas and suggestions.

Resources and Curriculum

Map Tests and Answers. These maps are great -- outline maps of the continents and their countries (US and states, too) with each country numbered. Answer key on site, too. All easy to print - free for home use.
http://worldatlas.com/webimage/testmaps/maps.htm

Weekly Reader Map Skills for Today. Highly recommended, especially the books for grades 4, 5, and 6 -- BUT -- don't pay any attention to grade levels. Books 4, 5, and 6 are great for high schoolers who have not done a whole lot of work with maps -- even for adults.
http://www.weeklyreader.com/estore/showcategory.aspx?categoryid=32&filterid=5

Geography Games. One of the easiest and most fun ways to learn where every place in the world is. Dozens of games.
http://www.educationallearninggames.com/geography-games.asp

GeoSafari Geography Products. Highly recommended: the US and World Wall Maps at $5.49 each -- some of the best wall maps we've seen -- not too big, not too small, well-marked, easy to read. If it's in your budget, the talking globe is excellent (around $75).
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content/727610194?page=1781504&sp=1016&event=1016GEO|585866|1016

Geography Songs. (Younger students) Sing your way to a knowledge of the world. Great for audio learners. CDs come with workbooks, maps, tests.
http://www.audiomemory.com/geography.php

The Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide (Grades K-12)
You'll want to check out this award-winning program.
http://www.geomatters.com/products/details.asp?ID=76

Mapping the World by Heart Lite. Your students will learn a whole lot more than the basics with this popular curriculum. Note: You don't want the classroom kit, which is more expensive. The Lite version is for home use. Review by Cathy Duffy.
http://www.tomsnyder.com/products/product.asp?SKU=MWHMWH

Uncle Josh’s Outline Map Book
Over 180 outline maps in book form or on CD-ROM.
http://www.geomatters.com/products/details.asp?ID=85

Hands-On Geography (Grades 1-4)
Lots of activity ideas, fun. Especially good for those who like unit studies or lots of tactile learning. Inexpensive. Review by Cathy Duffy.
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?isbn=1892427036&event=AFF&p=1023439